This year the Parkland Flag Football League is expanding to include an age group that has usually been turned away, and athletes throughout the area are excited at their prospects. “We had some kids who had been playing for years and they still wanted to play despite the fact that they’d aged out,” said League President Elysse Dion, “Parents asked for the division and we thought, ‘why not?'” So the league is officially making the exciting announcement that they have added an older division for 14-15 year old boys. “We’d like to get them back,” Elysse says positively, “and we’re always interested in getting the girls to come out as well.” Age divisions for girls are 7-9, 10-11 & 12-14.
Always sanctioned to allow older kids to play, Elysse says there hadn’t been a lot of interest in past years. “Our schools are so big and the kids will enjoy the opportunity to be on a team doing a sport that they can still play. There isn’t room on the school teams for every kid who wants to play.” Elysse feels that the transition of high school is difficult enough, and having a sport that they are comfortable with is a great way to make that leap.
Another reason to be happy for the change is future planning. “I am really excited to have this newer division because my 13 year old son will be able to play two more seasons than he, historically, would have been able to.” Certainly, Elysse will not be the only parent sharing that sentiment.
Parkland Flag Football’s season begins on August 19 and runs through the first Saturday in November when it ends with the infamous Super Bowl at Pine Trails Park. All games & practices are held at Pine Trails and the families are only obligated to supply mouth guards and cleats. The league provides everything else including uniforms, shorts and a practice shirt.
Is your son a little daunted by the new lifestyle of High School? Get him on Parkland Flag’s roster and enjoy the familiarity of family fun, team spirit and a whole new division created just for him. For more info. see www.ParklandFlag.com
