SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. — In an effort to get more kids outside and active during the pandemic, some parks and recreations centers in Southern Pines have decided to host flag football games.

"Well, it’s good that we’re getting them back outside in an organized sport you know. A lot of them [have] been in the house on the computer all day, and they have a lot of energy to burn,” says Parks and Recreations Organizer Queon Threadgill. “And they don’t have school sports going on right now, so I think it’s just pretty good to get them out right now, let them unwind, and be with some friends and meet new people."

Officials say the games are more about seeing friends and having fun rather than winning or losing.

Kids ages 8 to 14 can participate, and safety precautions are in place to help prevent any COVID-19 spread.

Some of the safety protocols include each team using its own ball, which is then wiped down by a parks and recreations official after each series, and the removal of bleachers on the field so spectators can bring chairs and social distance.