Founder’s Story

Jesse Ortiz, the founder of Level Up Flag League, was born in Jersey City, NJ, and grew up in the city of Union City, NJ. With a passion for football, Jesse played high school football for all four years. However, he faced a challenge in finding a suitable place to play flag football as a child, as touch football often led to arguments. Determined to find a solution, Jesse bought flags and started playing flag football with his friends.

In pursuit of his dedication to serving his country, Jesse joined the Army and was honorably discharged in 2016. Throughout his time in the military, he continued to play flag football, fostering his love for the sport. After returning home, Jesse founded a flag football team called "USO," which stands for "brother" in the Samoan language.

Jesse's personal experiences and his desire to pass on the teachings of his coaches to the younger generation led him to recognize the need for a community-focused flag football league. He strongly believes that football teaches valuable life lessons, such as resilience, teamwork, and the importance of never giving up. Facing obstacles both on the field and in life, Jesse understands the significance of learning from mistakes and persevering.

Driven by a deep commitment to the youth and the future they represent, Jesse aims to bring the community together through flag football, imparting valuable life lessons to the next generation. He believes in protecting and nurturing the potential of the youth, recognizing them as the most valuable asset our society possesses.

Mission

Level Up Flag League’s mission is to empower youth through the love of football, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness within our communities. By engaging children in our sports programs, we aim to teach them the fundamental principles of life, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, goal-setting, and striving to bring out the best in each other. We are committed to bringing parents and the community together, recognizing that investing in our youth is vital for protecting, teaching, and improving our society for a brighter future.

Vision

Level Up Flag League seeks to create a united community through our transformative programs. We aspire to improve our area by instilling discipline, fostering unity, promoting teamwork, and cultivating mutual respect among all participants. By nurturing a positive mindset in our youth, we believe they will approach any situation with optimism and resilience. Level Up Flag League is dedicated to changing lives and leaving a lasting impact on the youth in the communities we serve, empowering them to overcome obstacles and embrace a "glass half full" mentality.

Values

• Unity: Level Up Flag League values the power of unity, bringing together diverse individuals and fostering a sense of togetherness within the community.
• Integrity: Level Up Flag League upholds the highest standards of integrity, promoting honesty, fairness, and ethical conduct in all interactions and activities.
• Respect: Level Up Flag League promotes a culture of respect, treating every individual with dignity, embracing differences, and valuing diverse perspectives.
• Sportsmanship: Level Up Flag League emphasizes sportsmanship, instilling principles of fair play, respect for opponents, and graciousness in both victory and defeat.
• Growth Mindset: Level Up Flag League encourages a growth mindset, fostering a positive attitude towards challenges, embracing opportunities for learning and improvement.
• Community Engagement: Level Up Flag League values active community engagement, recognizing the importance of collaboration, involvement, and making a positive impact in the communities it serves.
• Inclusivity: Level Up Flag League is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to participate and thrive, regardless of their background, abilities, or identities.
• Fun and Enjoyment: Level Up Flag League believes in the importance of fun and enjoyment, creating a positive and engaging environment where participants can develop their skills and passion for flag football while having a great time.