SHIPPENVILLE, Pa. — The smiles were as bright as the sun last Saturday on the YMCA Flag Football fields. Ninety-two children in grades 1 through 6 are participating in the YMCA flag football program that yields some incredible fun.
Football season brings some very special memories back to the surface for Jesse Kelley who coordinates the program for the YMCA.
“My football career started in flag football as a youth and my love for the game just grew,” said Kelley. “I hope the kids enjoy the game just as much.”
Kelley puts a great deal of effort into the program, talking to the kids before each game about the importance of teamwork and being a good sport.
It was apparent that the kids were having a blast on Saturday during the weekly game at the YMCA. It’s possible the dads involved in program were having just as much fun coaching.
“We could not run this program without our volunteers,” said Kelley. “They bring that backyard pick-up game feel to each practice and game. It’s really football in the purest and simplest form. That’s what makes is so great.”
“Coaching at the YMCA gives us the opportunity to teach children skills on the field – how to catch, pass, or kick – you’re setting the stage for lessons in discipline, responsibility and good sportsmanship,” said Rick Miller. “Those are skills that last a lifetime.”
Miller has two children in the Flag Football program. He is a head coach for first and second grade and assists with fifth and sixth grade.
(Photo above: William Baird, CUP Freshman Football Player and YMCA Flag Football Official gives one of the players a high five after a scoring a touchdown.)
Positive comments and high fives came after every play. Even the officials talk to the kids and recognize great plays.
“Our university officials really get into the game, too,” said Kelley. “The kids enjoy the exchanges with the officials. They really bring a positive vibe to the games.”
Both girls and boys are involved in the program. Tackling is not permitted but the rest of the game is much the same.
“Flag Football requires the same focus and concentration as the tackle game on every play,” said Kelley. “It’s all the fundamentals without the collisions. We teach the kids positioning, technique, how to move their feet. All these skills are essential parts of the game.”
“We focus on the fun and fundamentals,” said Kelley. “The contact can come later.”
Clarion County YMCA Flag Football will complete the season with a game on Saturday, October 29.
For more information about the Clarion County YMCA and Y programs, please visit the YMCA website at www.clarioncountyymca.org, call 814-764-3400 and follow the Y on Facebook.
The Clarion County YMCA hours are: Weekdays 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
(Article submitted by Michelle Murray, Marketing & Membership Director, Clarion County YMCA, Oil City YMCA, and YMCA Camp Coffman)
Clarion County YMCA and exploreClarion.com have partnered to provide the community with YMCA News. This is an exclusive article only found on exploreClarion.com.
