Looking for soccer in Uttar Pradesh?
Association football (soccer) in the state is run by the Uttar Pradesh Football Sangh, which is affiliated with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). UPAFA isn't involved in soccer.
Looking for American or flag football?
That's UPAFA. The Uttar Pradesh American Football Association is the state body for flag football and American (tackle) football, affiliated with the American Football Federation of India (AFFI).
How the sports differ
| Soccer | Flag football | American football | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball | Round, played with the feet | Oval, thrown and carried | Oval, thrown and carried |
| Players | 11 | 5 | 11 |
| Contact | Limited | None. Pull a flag to end the play | Full tackling |
| Play | Continuous | Set plays, downs | Set plays, downs |
| Main score | Goal, 1 | Touchdown, 6 | Touchdown, 6 |
| Olympic | Yes | Yes, from LA 2028 | No |
Why soccer players pick up flag football fast
Speed, change of direction, spatial awareness, and fitness all transfer directly. Flag football adds throwing and catching, plus short, intense plays instead of continuous running. Many schools in UP run both. A flag team needs only five players on the field and a small pitch.
Want to try it? Register with UPAFA and pick your district, or see where to play in UP.