By Stacy Case
Every year, both the Coral Springs Flag Football Club and Parkland Flag Football League consistently attract hundreds of local youths to the area gridirons. And this year seemed to follow suit. Not surprising, however, since the leagues have been some of the signature recreational sports programs in the cities since 1972 and 1995, respectively. In his eighth year as the CSFFC’s president, Bryan Levin isn’t shy when he reveals what he requires from the Springs players ….. it’s actually quite simple.
“They’ve gotta just enjoy being outside because they’re going to play a lot of games and have a lot of practices,” says Bryan, whose participation with the program spans two decades. “We have a nice, long regular season, double elimination playoffs, an all star game and a Super Bowl, plus each player is guaranteed to participate in at least half of the game.”
This year, the Springs program attracted more than 400 players to Mullins Park, in which it is comprised of three different divisions: freshmen (ages 7-9), juniors (ages 10-11) and seniors (ages 12-14.). Bryan says the league continues to host many repeat players from one year to the next, but seems most pleased with the amount of first-timers. “We have more new players this season than we’ve had recently, in addition to the great retention of former players, in all of the divisions.”
And just around the corner, Parkland’s league has had its own longevity and tremendous participation. With five boys divisions ranging from age 5-14, and three girls divisions for ages 7-14, the approximately 750 Parkland players take to Pine Trails Park for their season. “It’s all about the kids and we make sure to get them required playing time,” says Parkland Flag Football League President, Bill Fitzsimmons, who’s been with the program for 17 years. “We also emphasize that recreational league mentality, and make sure it’s a lot of fun.”
And while Parkland follows an 8-on-8, 2 halves format, Coral Springs plays 11-on-11 in 4-quarters.
Both leagues begin their seasons in August and end in the early part of November with Super Bowl matchups in each of their own programs’ divisions.
“There’s always great camaraderie among the players, and I continue to enjoy seeing so many kids succeed at something they may have never tried before,” Bryan adds. “I like to see that we can put kids in a position to have fun and one that makes their families proud of them.”
It looks as if Bill has the same mentality with his players as well. “It’s important that they have a good time when they’re out there,” he adds. “That’s why we enforce a substitution policy, so each kid truly feels part of his/her team.”
