Many of us played football in high school and maybe even some had the opportunity to play in college, but for most, the road ends there. But does it have to? No, I am not saying we are all going to make it to the NFL, but there is a way to continue playing the sport which many have such a great passion for. Flag Football!
Flag football is not as silly as it sounds. In all actuality, if you are making a play for the flag, you can hit another player as hard as you like. You just have to make that true effort for the flag. After I graduated high school I decided to not head straight to college. Instead I worked for a few years trying to bank some money. Doing this unfortunately put my dreams of playing football in college behind me. I had to find another way to satisfy my love for the sport.
Talking to a group of friends, I was introduced to the LIFFL or, Long Island Flag Football League. I quickly signed up and became the starting running back on a team named the Gassy Goats. I know, the name doesn’t say much for the skill of the team, but I swear, I know how to run the ball. I found it easy to transition from full contact football to the revised flag version of the game as I am sure many long time football players would. Football skills translate well between both contact and flag versions of the sport. To be honest, it is a lot more difficult to grab someones flag than it is to tackle them. Playbooks are part of every flag team that takes the game seriously, and penalties are very similar to those you were used to in high school ball.
In addition to satisfying your craving for the sport you love, you are placed into an excellent social situation with people you will quickly bond with as many people who are on a team together do. Personally, playing on a flag football team was an experience in my life that I do not regret and would love to still be a part of. Getting involved is simple, fun and at the same time you are benefiting your social and physical health. I recommend giving it a try.
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