From the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County | Despite only practicing for two months, the flag football team won the regional tournament this past March in Santa Clara.

A group of 10- and 11-year olds from the Boys & Girls Clubs recently traveled north to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara to compete in the 49ers NFL FLAG Regional Tournament, winning the championship and earning a trip to Indiana to compete in the national championships at the end of July.

The Fresno County All-Star team consists of players from East Fresno, West Fresno and Selma Clubs. The team had only been practicing for two months prior to the March 22 tournament in Santa Clara.

Under coach Ron Zisler, who also serves as director of operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County, the team went undefeated in pool play and made it to the championship, where they won in blowout fashion. Dequoin, one of the team’s players, was named tournament MVP.

“This team is really committed,” Zisler said. “We bring kids together from multiple Clubs, practice twice a week, and they put in the effort. Seeing them achieve goals they didn’t think were possible, whether it’s catching a football for the first time or turning around their grades, is the best part of coaching.”

Zisler has been with the Boys & Girls Clubs for 32 years, including 22 as a unit director at the East Fresno Club. He also spent 20 years coaching basketball at Sequoia Middle School.

He helped establish the NFL FLAG Football program in Fresno to provide children who might otherwise not be able to play organized sports.

Zisler was a part of another flag football team that competed at the national level over 10 years ago. He said that team needed around five years to reach the heights that the current team is reaching in two months.

The trip to Levi’s Stadium was made possible by funding from a grant provided by the Toyota Foundation, which covered registration, travel, lodging, meals and equipment. Several players received their first true pair of football cleats, an experience that Zisler said was, “really special for them.”

Outside of athletics, the Boys & Girls Clubs also is heavily involved in children’s personal development. Some of the players on the team have dramatically improved their academic performance and behavior after joining the team.

“One kid went from D’s and F’s to A’s and B’s in just a few weeks,” Zisler said. “Another was on the verge of getting kicked out of public school, he has also totally just just changed his life around and not get in trouble in school anymore. He’s become a leader on our team, our team captain now.”

Just being able to play at Levi’s Stadium is something the kids will remember for the rest of their lives.

“I had an amazing experience, really felt special and proud, will remember this forever,” said Noah, one of the players.

Noah, whose favorite position is wide receiver, attends Vang Pao Elementary School in Fresno. His favorite player is Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson and he wants to be a football player or scientist when he’s older.

The All-Star team practices twice a week and consists of kids from different clubs across the region. In addition to Zisler, three other Boys & Girls Club staff members serve as assistant coaches. Before going to Indianapolis, the team will compete in a Sacramento tournament in April.

The 2026 NFL FLAG Championships Presented by Toyota will be held at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana from July 23-26.

In addition to the Toyota grant, the Boys & Girls Club also received a $90,000 law enforcement grant — $30,000 annually for the next three years — after the the team. Boys & Girls Club is also accepting support from the community for the team.

Founded 76 years ago, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno now has 14 locations serving urban and rural communities. The organization provides safe spaces, mentorship and programming that includes athletics, leadership development and after-school activities.

The success of the All-Star team has drawn attention from the local community. “We received so many phone calls and emails from other parents asking how their kids can participate,” Zisler said. The visibility of the team encourages participation in the Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs, providing opportunities for engagement, teamwork, and skill development.

While the team’s accomplishments on the field have been notable, Zisler noted the personal growth gained along the way.

“It’s all about the kids,” Zisler said. “Seeing them enjoy the experience, achieve goals and gain confidence… that’s what it’s about.”