FAQ'S

Q: What is the North Louisiana Football Alliance (NLFA)?
A: The North Louisiana Football Alliance (NLFA) is a spring developmental football league dedicated to serving young men ages 18–24 across the Ark-La-Tex region, including North Louisiana, East Texas, and Southern Arkansas. Founded to bridge the gap between high school, college, and adulthood, the NLFA provides structured football competition alongside intentional workforce development, life skills training, and mentorship.

Q: Where does the NLFA play its games?
A: NLFA games are held at the primary hub located in Bossier City, Louisiana, with four showcase games hosted at sites within the Ark-La-Tex. 

Q: How many teams are in the NLFA?
A: The league features eight teams, with six teams active for the 2026 season.

Q: When does the season take place?
A: Each year, training camp starts in January and concludes in February, leading directly into the regular season, which runs from March to May.

Q: How many games are in the regular season?
A: Each active team will play a 6-game schedule during the regular season.

Q: Will there be playoffs or a championship?
A:Starting in 2026, the NLFA will eliminate its traditional championship game. Instead, the season will conclude with an Elite Showcase Game, featuring standout players selected based on performance, leadership, and developmental progress. This shift is part of the league’s enhanced focus on player exposure and recruitment opportunities.

Q: What is the age requirement to play in the NLFA?
A: The NLFA is strictly for athletes aged 18 to 24 years old. This age range is critical to the league’s developmental mission and its alignment with professional scouting standards.

Q: Why does the NLFA have an age range?
A: Because the NLFA is a developmental program — not an adult recreational league.

Our curriculum, coaching model, and career training are designed specifically for athletes ages 18–24 who still need a structured pathway toward football and life opportunities.

Age-based programs are common in sports, and ours exists to keep athletes safe, competitive, and progressing toward their goals.

Q: How many players can be on a team?
A: Each team may carry up to 25 players, with only 80-150 spots available each season. Teams are encouraged to maintain a minimum roster of 16 players.

Q: What are the official rules of the league?
A: The NLFA operates under a structured set of official nine-man football rules, designed for both safety and competitive balance. Rules are available upon request or via the league’s official website.

Q: How can I watch NLFA games?
A: All NLFA games are pre-recorded and released weekly on Facebook Watch and the NLFA YouTube channel.

Q: Are players paid to participate in the NLFA?
A:No. Players are not compensated to play in the NLFA. 

Q: What are the benefits of playing in the NLFA?
A: Players in the North Louisiana Football Alliance get a significant advantage with professional-grade film, detailed statistics, and exposure to scouts from indoor, arena, and international leagues, as the league builds bridges with organizations like the IFL, NAL, AF1, TAL, LFA (Mexico), and the GFL (Germany).

• Keep Playing. Keep Growing.
  Play in a professionally structured developmental league that gives you film, stats, coaching, and exposure—everything you need to grow as an athlete and open doors for future opportunities.
• Earn a Trade. Build Your Career.
  Through our partnerships with trade schools and technical programs, NLFA athletes can train for high-demand careers in fields like welding, HVAC, electrical work, CDL/trucking, carpentry, and more.
  No student loans. No long-term debt. Real skills. Real pay.
• A Path Forward—Even Without College.
  Whether your dream is to pursue pro football opportunities or secure a solid career, the NLFA gives you a roadmap. We invest in your athletic future and your real-world future.
• Support, Mentorship & Brotherhood.
  You’ll be coached, guided, and mentored by certified coaches and leaders who care about your success on the field, at work, and in life.

Q: Does the NLFA provide insurance coverage?
A: No. The NLFA does not offer primary insurance. Players may purchase accident/injury insurance through a third-party provider (e.g., Aflac, State Farm) at a league-negotiated rate.
If you already have primary coverage, we strongly recommend obtaining supplemental insurance.

Q: How do I register to play in the NLFA?
A: Registration for the 2026 season is now open. Click here to register. 

Q: How much is the registration fee?
A: The total registration fee is $200, which includes:

• Professional-level coaching

• Exposure to pro scouts

• Essential film and data for recruiting

• Competitive environment

• Life-skill support & career guidance

• Medical Savings Plan

• Team Uniforms

Returning players are required to pay a $50 annual membership fee for each season they participate.

Q: Are there any additional costs?
A: Players are required to provide their own helmets and shoulder pads. Returning players are required to pay a $50 annual membership fee for each season they participate. No other league fees are required.

Q: Can players sign multi-year agreements?
A: NLFA Player Agreements are renewed annually and remain in effect unless amended, terminated by mutual consent, or the player has reached the maximum age limit.

Q: Can I play in another league during the NLFA season?
A:No. Players may not compete in other adult amateur (flag or tackle) or semi-pro leagues during the NLFA season. The only exception is if a player is temporarily called up to a professional team and is not permanently signed. Violators will be removed from the league for the remainder of the year due to liability and eligibility concerns.

Q: What days are games played?
A: NLFA games are primarily scheduled on Saturday afternoons/evenings. In the case of conflicts, Wednesday evenings may be used. Any additional schedule changes must be approved by the league commissioner.

Violators will be removed from the league for the remainder of the year due to liability and eligibility concerns.

Q: Does the NLFA offer any programs for young women to participate in?
A: Yes, the North Louisiana Football Alliance (NLFA) offers programs for young women, primarily through its Alliance Cheer Team, focusing on leadership, artistic, and professional development, alongside a general Life Skills Program open to young women for career readiness; while the main football league is for young men, the NLFA provide opportunities for female participation in related support and development roles.