Golden State Games
MLK WEEKEND | JANUARY 16-17, 2027
GREAT PARK - IRVINE, CA
TOP COMPETITION. ONE DESTINATION. ONE GOLDEN WEEKEND.
The Golden State Games return to the Great Park of Irvine for MLK Weekend, January 16–17, 2027.
Built around high-level competition, the Golden State Games bring together athletes, clubs and families for one of the biggest football weekends of the winter.
For Year Two, the Games are expanding, with more age divisions, more opportunities to compete, and the Los Angeles Chargers College Flag Showcase creating a pathway for high school girls looking toward the next level.
One venue. One weekend. A lot of football.
ONE WEEKEND. EVERY SIDE OF THE GAME."Where the Game Comes Together."
From youth flag to high school competition, boys and girls divisions to the college pathway, the Golden State Games bring different levels and formats of football together for one massive weekend at the Great Park.
Across 5v5 flag, 7v7 competition and the college showcase experience, athletes take the field at different ages and stages of the game.
With expanded age divisions and multiple levels of competition, teams can find the right stage to compete, from developing programs to some of the top clubs in the region..
Different formats. Different levels. One stage.
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 Gold for teams working their way there (please note odd years only have one division).
- 8U Girls
- 9U Girls
- 10U Girls (Top Gun and Gold Divisions)
- 11U Girls
- 12U Girls (Top Gun and Gold Divisions)
- 13U Girls
- 14U Girls (Top Gun and Gold Divisions)
- 15U Girls
- High School Girls (Top Gun and Gold 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 7v7 Girls 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)
The 7v7 Boys Division, is a traditional boys 7v7 format.
- High School Boys
- 8th Grade
- 12U
- 10U
Schedule
3 Pool Play Games on Saturday
All Teams Advance to Elimination Rounds on Sunday
8U and 12U – Morning Games
10U and 14U – Afternoon Games
3 Pool Play Games on Saturday
All Teams Advance to Elimination Rounds on Sunday
HS and 12U – Morning Games
14U and 10U – Afternoon Games
3 Pool Play Games on Saturday
All Teams Advance to Elimination Rounds on Sunday
3 Pool Play Games on Saturday
All Teams Advance to Elimination Rounds on Sunday
14U – Morning Games
High School – Afternoon Games
Sunday Games Only
Saturday Games Only
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS COLLEGE FLAG SHOWCASE
THE NEXT LEVEL STARTS HERE.
The Los Angeles Chargers College Flag Showcase brings high school girls together for a dedicated college pathway experience during Golden State Games weekend.
Athletes will have the opportunity to compete, train and showcase their abilities while connecting with the rapidly growing landscape of collegiate women’s flag football.
COMPETE
Take the field alongside high-level athletes in a showcase environment.
BE SEEN
Showcase your abilities in front of participating college programs and coaches.*
LEARN WHAT’S NEXT
Connect with college programs and learn more about opportunities to continue playing flag football beyond high school.
PARTICIPATING COLLEGES
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Schools will be added as they commit
* participating programs and coaches subject to change
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.