SPRING HILL- The Spring Hill NFL Flag Football League has taken the county by storm the past few years, with many youth football players switching from tackle to the flag football game. Flag football offers a good opportunity for players to improve their skills in catching, running and throwing the ball.
The growth of the league has been exponential, with over 500 players participating in the league’s most recent spring season that took place at Veterans Memorial Park off of Spring Hill Dr. A typical game day features music blaring, a food truck serving up icees and a makeshift concession stand area which all make for a fun environment for kids and families on Saturdays.
“The league has grown so much,” Spring Hill NFL Flag Football league commissioner Andrew Sitar said. “We have over 500 players and over 48 teams and coaches. We start out at age 4 all the way to age 14. It really has been all about player experience. The league has really grown because of the word of mouth by all the parents and players in the league.”
Sitar also pointed out the ever growing number of girls who are joining flag teams in the league, which will help start the conversation for possibly a girls flag football team in the high school ranks. The Florida High School Athletic Association sanctions flag football during the winter months, with state champions being named. The hope is the continued interest in flag football by girls will help get a high school to start up a flag program.
The league doesn’t lack for excitement either, as the Super Bowl championship games provided plenty of intrigue and interest. Each game triggered a minimum of 60-70 fans and the players created the big plays needed for fun. The league’s fall season kicks off in August with practices and games starting in September. For more information on the league, please visit www.springhillnflflagfootball.com.
“For me, to watch the growth of kids playing flag football is gratifying and getting to watch the future stars,” Sitar said. “I believe the growth of football is through flag football. Flag football is a great way for youth players to really hone in on their skills with throwing, catching and running the ball.”
Andy Villamarzo can be reached at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @avillamarzo.
