In the heart of the magnificent state of Illinois, where the skyscrapers of Chicago hold hands with the rolling fields of corn, a unique group of kids come together. They gather not for a pizza party at the famous Gino’s East or a riveting game of hide and seek among the towering Abraham Lincoln statues, but for something even more exciting – Flag Football! Leading this bunch of energetic, giggly, and sneaky-quick kids is their cool, imaginary coach, legendary Uncle Touchdown Tony. With his hat turned backward, an oversized whistle always at the ready, and his pants perpetually pulled up too high, Uncle Tony is a sight to see! Imagine a grizzly bear doing ballet, or a giraffe trying to roller skate and you’ve got Uncle Tony. His kids, the Illinois Tornadoes, as they're known, are a force to be reckoned with. They zoom around the field so fast it's as if they've harnessed the power of the Windy City itself! With turf in their shoes, grass stains on their uniforms, and never-ending smiles on their faces, the Tornadoes make every Illinoisan proud. They laugh, they leap, they dive, and they dash, making Flag Football more than just a game. It's an Illinois spectacle! Between the wild antics of Uncle Touchdown Tony and the unyielding spirit of the Illinois Tornadoes, the state of Illinois becomes a riotous paradise of flag football fun. And trust me; you wouldn’t want to miss it for all the popcorn in Chicago!
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What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.


The Bloomington Cardinals are proud to be part of the Bloomington-Normal Youth Football League, providing a safe, fun and educational program for children in the Bloomington community. Established in 1972, the Cardinals have a long history of providing tackle, cheer and flag football for young athletes. The Cardinals are a volunteer-run, charitable organization, with a 501(c) not-for-profit status. The Cardinals compete against other teams in the Central Illinois area, making them one of the oldest and finest programs in the BNYFL. The Bloomington Cardinals are dedicated to providing a safe and fun environment for kids in the Bloomington area. Established in 1972, the Cardinals offer tackle, cheer and flag football for young athletes. The Cardinals are a community-based, volunteer-run, 501(c) not-for-profit charitable organization. The Cardinals compete in the Bloomington-Normal Youth Football League, known as one of the oldest and finest competing programs within the league. The Cardinals also compete with other teams throughout Central Illinois, giving them the opportunity to hone their skills and grow as athletes. The Bloomington Cardinals are committed to helping young athletes develop and grow. With a 501(c) non-profit status and a volunteer-run charitable organization, the Cardinals provide tackle, cheer and flag football for young athletes in the Bloomington area. Established in 1972, the Cardinals have been a part of the Bloomington-Normal Youth Football League for almost five decades. Competing against other teams in Central Illinois, the Cardinals are one of the oldest and most successful programs in the league. With their commitment to providing a safe and fun environment, the Cardinals are dedicated to helping young athletes reach their potential.