Flag Football League Readies for Tournament in San Antonio
Flag Football Road Trip
Twelve years ago, Adam Kern was managing Somers Sports and thought that introducing flag football to the local community would be a fun activity for local kids to be involved in. Starting with just 42 players, the SCC Body Armor Flag Football League now has 1200 boys and girls, and the success has inspired the founder to take the show on the road for a tournament on December 28-29.
“We are heading to San Antonio, Texas to compete in the youth world championships,” he said during a parent gathering at Captain Lawrence Brewing Company on October 25.
Four teams of the league’s best players will make the trip and reap the rewards. “We’re going to treat this like a professional road trip where they get to play against the top teams in the United States,” he said. “It’s going to be an eye opening experience for these kids to walk through a real life journey and all the excitement that goes along with it.”
Greg Ackner agrees, and yes the X’s and O’s are important, but as one of the coaches taking flight, he sees the overall game plan with a little more depth. “I’m a big fan of being able to enter into new situations and adapt to them,” said the Fox Lane parent.
No problem for the ten year old David Rufo Jr, he does change on the fly as a versatile running back. A hundred league touchdowns to his credit so far, his nickname tells the tale. The Mahopac Rocket says he’s really fast and scatters just like a mouse.
The flier also can’t wait to go south and neither can Kellie Jones. “I’m looking forward to really connecting with my son,” said the South Salem mom.
As for Caiden, he’s always loved Texas and should fit right in, according to mom. “He’s small, but he’s mighty,” Jones said of her young lineman.
Of course, there’s plenty of darting about when he plays safety, and the kinetics of the game really appeal to Mariana Taormina. “It’s fun, fast moving and energetic,” she said.
Mother of Vincent, she loves the extended family feel of the whole flag football affair. “Game day is a big community builder,” Taormina assured.
The same sentiment goes for Faye de Muyshondt. “Flag football is the highlight of my week,” said the Mt Kisco mom of eight year old Oliver.
As for the kids, the lessons run deep for her too. “The kids learn sportsmanship, handwork and resilience,” said de Muyshondt.
The adventure of Texas doesn’t sound so bad either. “They have cowboys,” she deadpanned.
A good time was also on the mind of her husband who will be getting into the stirrups as one of the coaches. “I’m all about having fun but winning makes it a lot more fun,” said Ted de Muyshondt.
On the serious side, he’s proud to be part of the first group that is breaking barriers and he and his fellow coaches will be ramping the kids up with more intensified practices and test runs with teams from Yonkers.
But The giddy-up won’t end when the sun sets on the Texas landscape. Family dinners and sightseeing, said Kern, “We’re going to make this a first class experience.”
All together, he’s sure the players can’t lose. “Your kids will be better for this experience and will remember forever,” Kern concluded.
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