From Gilmer to Bossier: How NLFA Could Open Doors for Six-Man Players in East Texas

In small Texas towns, six-man football isn’t just a sport — it’s a way of life. For players at schools like Leverett’s Chapel or Union Hill (Gilmer), teams often run on work ethic, grit, and tight-knit community support. But for many of these players — especially seniors with limited college interest — the football journey ends when their final whistle blows.

That’s where the North Louisiana Football Alliance (NLFA) sees opportunity. The Ark-La-Tex showcase and developmental league is turning its sights eastward, hoping to build a recruitment bridge with East Texas six-man programs — including Leverett’s Chapel, Union Hill, Christian-homeschool-based Tyler HEAT, and East Texas Homeschool Sports. 

Why six-man? “Players from smaller schools often have to learn to play every position, stay sharp mentally, and adapt on the fly — skills that translate well to our style of play,” says NLFA leadership. The league also emphasizes career training, life-skills development, and community support — areas often overlooked in small-school football environments.

Perhaps most importantly, NLFA is making room for 18-year-olds in their final year of high school — a group that is often overlooked by larger collegiate or professional pipelines. For many of these young men, the NLFA could offer not just an extension of their football career but a meaningful stepping stone toward stable employment, trade training, or further athletic development.

If adopted, the partnership could redefine what it means to “go pro” for small-town athletes — providing a bridge between community football and real-world opportunity.