IN Health: Get Your Flag On
by Ben Joseph
Weekend warriors, semi-pro athletes, current and previous college players, Arena football players, high school superstars of recent and past years, wanna’ be’s, pick-up guys, national contenders. All of these titles are fitting for the men who come together once a week to put their skills and athletic abilities to the test as the games start for another season of flag football.
Almost 250 men currently participate on 23 different teams. They come from areas on the northshore, southshore and west bank—from Slidell to Baton Rouge. The teams are arranged in two divisions, based on the competitiveness of the team. Add in the spouses, girlfriends, family members, friends and kids, and approximately 400-500 people gather together every Sunday in Madisonville to witness these games, cheer for their favorite team and players and enjoy some time on the field visiting with one another.
What is this, you ask? It’s the Northshore Flag Football League, also known as Northshore FFL or NFFL, organized by Mandeville resident Bret Villars. After a local league in Covington dissolved in 2003, players were left with no league for flag football. Whenever players ran into each other, conversations continued about the need for a league. Realizing how much he missed the sport, the competition and the camaraderie, Bret started putting plans into action to form a new league. In the fall of 2005, he knew the time had come to bring the players back together. Northshore FFL was born.
The concept wasn’t embraced by all. He was told that it would be difficult to get teams to pay the registration fee, but he didn’t give up. It was a case of “If you build it, they will come.” Entering its third year, NFFL is one of the largest flag football leagues in the region, and it continues to grow.
The community has welcomed the league, and local merchants have stepped up. Sponsors from athletic braces and energy boost supplements to physical therapy, from insurance to marble contractors, screen-printing to four wheelers, restaurant, drug store and more offer specials to NFFL members. By supporting the league, the businesses benefit from direct marketing to all involved.
The players who participate vary in size, color, shape, age and ability. But almost all have that competitive spirit that comes out when they step on the game field and the whistle blows. Players from 18 to 50-something lace up their cleats, wrap on their flag belts and show what they still have on the field. For some, it’s “mental therapy.” For others, it’s their only form of exercise. Or it may be a way to stay physically fit throughout the year, as the league runs two seasons a year in the spring and fall.
This is not ‘kiddie’ flag pulling. This is a full-body workout that demands quick responses and plenty of stamina. We’re talking about some serious calorie burning. Ask Jason Demello, a personal trainer and athletic director who has been involved with the Northshore FFL since it was established. “Having played high school and college football in the past, the NFFL is my only chance to get back on the field. Most guys have families and professional jobs, but when we get together on Sundays, we take our teams seriously. For myself, I rarely have time to get a good workout in. I consider the league a great hour of anaerobic exercise. Not only does the quick pace keep your heart rate up, but it is also a perfect way to improve speed, agility, quickness and general balance. For someone looking to stay fit, the league is not necessarily enough in itself, but we feel it’s inspiration to stay in shape. The NFFL is a great way for families to come together—and for men of all different ages to sweat and work out some stress.”
Villars adds, “This league is so much more to me then just football. It is a gathering of men coming together for a common purpose. If we offer something to bring men together to get to know each other better, network and build a bond, then the league is accomplishing much more then just football. As Jason indicated, if it encourages men to stay in shape, then I am very happy that the NFFL is making that kind of positive impact. Ray is another player who feels that inspiration—maybe literally. He is 52-years young, and built solid. With braces on both knees, he runs, dives and catches like a 22-year-old. I always tell him that he needs to be my poster boy for the league.”
With its growth and success with the men’s league, NFFL has plans for expansion. Some of the possibilities are two sessions for a youth division this summer and an intro to flag football session for players and coaches followed by a league play session with scheduled games and playoffs. “There are boys and girls who love the sport of football, but do not get to play traditional football for different reasons: too small, costs, boys only, etc. These kids, boys and girls, will have the opportunity with our league.” There are also plans for a co-ed and a women’s division.
“The athletic benefits of such a program are tremendous for kids and adults alike,” says Kelly Villars, a local physical therapist. “Anything that encourages kids to participate in team dynamics and get them away from the front of the television is positive. However, as with all exercise programs, precautions should be taken and proper stretching, technique, body mechanics, and personal limits should be in place to reduce the risk of injury.”
Pass by the fields in Madisonville on any given game day and you may see a banner that reads, “Get Your Flag On!” Experience the excitement, arguing and celebration. Listen to the play calling—straight up, crack, skinny post, back cone, man up—and to Villars’ “discussions” (as he refers to them) with his officiating staff and players. Smell crawfish boiling or burgers on the BBQ.
But you first have to get off the couch, get out of the house and get out to the field. Cheer on your favorite team. Get some exercise, even if it is just the occasional burst of excitement of a good play. Don’t forget your cleats. You may get caught up in the moment and decide to substitute in a play or two. Hey! Got flag? NFFL does.
For more information on the Northshore Flag Football League, please visit www.northshoreffl.com.
