Golden State Games
MLK WEEKEND | JANUARY 16-18, 2026
GREAT PARK - IRVINE, CA
TOP COMPETITION. FESTIVAL ENERGY. ONE GOLDEN WEEKEND.
This January, the stage is set. A new kind of weekend is coming to California. The Golden State Games is a multi-sport event, with football taking center stage. Blending high-level football competition with the energy of a community sports festival, the Golden State Games is a celebration of sport in all its forms. Beyond the gridiron, athletes and families will find activities and opportunities that showcase the wider world of youth sports, making it a destination event for all.
Set against the backdrop of Southern California’s premier sports venue, the Great Park in Irvine, the Golden State Games brings together teams, families, and fans from across the state and beyond. With its combination of competitive play, and a true festival atmosphere, the event offers something for everyone making MLK Weekend not just about the games, but about the experience.
FOOTBALL AT ITS CORE
"The Flag Football Stage Just Got Bigger."
While the Golden State Games celebrates multiple sports, football is the heartbeat of the weekend. The event is built around delivering elite football competition, creating a platform where athletes and teams can test themselves, showcase their skills, and compete on one of the biggest stages in California.
The Golden State Games brings together the best in 5v5, 6v6 and 7v7 flag football, with divisions for boys, girls, and women’s college athletes. Multiple competition tiers ensure that every matchup is meaningful, whether you’re a rising youth team, a competitive club program, or a collegiate squad.
Designed to balance development, exposure, and high-level play, the event gives athletes the chance to:
- Compete against top teams from across California and beyond
- Showcase their skills in front of evaluators and media
- Prepare for the next stage of their athletic journey
On the field, the Golden State Games is built to deliver the premier football experience of MLK Weekend.
Divisions
5v5 Division, played under NFL FLAG rules with slight modifications.
- 8U Boys
- 10U Boys
- 12U Boys
- 14U Boys
Choose your challenge in the girls’ 5v5 division! From powerhouse programs to rising clubs, the Golden State Games has a spot for you: Top Gun for the best of the best, and Silver for teams working their way there.
- 9U Girls
- 10U Girls (Top Gun and Silver Divisions)
- 12U Girls (Top Gun and Silver Divisions)
- 14U Girls (Top Gun and Silver Divisions)
- High School Girls (Top Gun and Silver Divisions)
On the boys’ side, we’ll feature a 6v6 Classic Division, the familiar format that’s been a staple in local leagues for years, for those teams looking for a fun, competitive, but lower intensity option.
- 3rd-4th Grade Boys
- 5th-6th Grade Boys
- 7th-8th Grade Boys
The girls side will also feature a 6v6 Classic Division, providing local teams a chance to compete and showcase their skills.
- 3rd-4th Grade Girls
- 5th-6th Grade Girls
- 7th-8th Grade Girls
The 7v7 Division, played under CIF rules, will give girls the chance to compete in the same format used across California high schools.
- 14U Girls
- High School Girls
The Women’s College Division will feature college teams using the event as a preseason tune-up, offering competitive reps ahead of their spring schedules.
- Women’s College Teams (Schools Only)
Player Showcase
The Player Showcase will give athletes a chance to step on the field and display their skills in a competitive, organized setting. Through a mix of drills, and scrimmage-style play, participants will have the opportunity to highlight their athletic ability, football instincts, and overall potential.
The Showcase is designed to provide exposure, create connections, and help athletes take the next step in their development, whether that’s preparing for higher-level competition or simply testing themselves against top talent in the region.
Why Southern California?
The Golden State Games delivers both competition and convenience. Based at the Great Park in Irvine, CA, teams enjoy a central location that makes travel and downtime simple.
Key Advantages:
- Beaches less than 20 minutes away – Newport, Laguna, and Huntington Beach for that true California coast experience.
- Theme Parks Nearby – Disneyland, California Adventure, and Knott’s Berry Farm are all a short drive away.
- Access to Los Angeles & Orange County pro sports – catch the Lakers, Clippers, Kings, Ducks, or nearby college games while in town.
- Mild January weather (65–70° average)
- Easy Travel Hub – multiple airports (LAX, John Wayne, Long Beach, Ontario) give families flexible options.
For out-of-state families, the Golden State Games offers the chance to combine high-level competition with the best of Southern California turning MLK Weekend into both a tournament and a trip.