CLARION, Pa. — A total of 123 local youth participated in their first game of 2017 YMCA Flag Football on Saturday. Boys and girls in first through sixth grade participate on various teams grouped by age at the YMCA fields.
(Pictured above: Matt Alston accelerates upfield in 5th & 6th grade Flag Football action on Saturday.)
The YMCA Flag Football program is a developmental sport where kids learn about the game and come together to play on Saturdays at the YMCA. There is no pressure to perform and the completion is friendly and fun.
(Pictured below: Derek Smail dials in his intended receiver in a 5th & 6th grade game on Saturday.)
“The games have a backyard football feel,” said Jesse Kelley, YMCA Branch Director. “I’ve always loved that about this program. I’m excited to have so many kids playing flag football this year. There are a lot of fundamentals taught at this level without the pounding of wearing pads. I started out my career playing Flag Football before transitioning later to tackle once my body developed more. I had all the fundamentals at a young age that I directly applied as I got older. I wouldn’t change that experience for the world.”
(Pictured above: Sophie Babington readers her blockers during one of her carries on Saturday.)
The YMCA strives to teach football fundamentals while also teaching the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility throughout the program.
All youth get the chance to play various positions in each flag football game. There are no bench warmers in Y flag football.
“This week, before the games, we talked about the importance of doing homework and trying their best in school,” said Kelley. “Without good grades, they can’t play at the higher levels.”
New this year is a YMCA Punt, Pass and Kick Competition that will be held for adults and children on Sunday, October 22, at 1:00 p.m. The competition will be held at the Clarion University Football field with divisions ranging from first grade through adult.
All Punt, Pass & Kick Competition participants will compete in accuracy and distance competitions. Trophies will be awarded to the top three in each division. The cost is $5 to participate.
Anyone wishing to compete can call William Richter at 814-764-3400, register online at www.clarioncountyymca.org or print a registration form at www.clarioncountyymca.org/resources.
About the YMCA
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 is a branch of the Scenic Rivers Association, which includes the Oil City YMCA, Clarion County YMCA, Younger Days Child Care, and Camp Coffman.
Hours
The Clarion County YMCA hours are Weekdays 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays (October through December) from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; and Sundays (October through December) 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 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.
