A new flag football league for local youth is looking to get hit the field running and an open house information and drills session takes place this weekend in Innisfil.
Under Armour RISE Flag Football, described as the ultimate youth flag football experience, is designed for kids five to 17 years old and will be starting up in Barrie and Innisfil soon.
With several leagues around the country, the new local league was the idea of a Maple Ridge Secondary School teacher.
Chris Cochrane, who coaches flag football at the south-end Barrie high school, says he sees passion for the game and how it's a great way to stay active.
“There is definitely enough interest in football and flag football in this region,” Cochrane said. “It's a very popular sport in the local high schools and it certainly keeps kids active and busy, socially.”
There will be a free skills and drills clinic on Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Innisfil YMCA, located at 7315 Yonge St.
The event is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. until noon, but attendees who are registered through the website will receive an updated time based on the amount of registrations that come in.
“We’re running the clinic this weekend as a way to show kids that this is coming and to see if it is something they enjoy,” Cochrane said. “I’m hoping families will come out and see what it's like. It's a real no-pressure event and should be a lot of fun for those looking to give it a try.”
The new league is open to anyone of all skill levels, with registration currently open for the fall season, which kicks off Friday, Sept. 8 at the Innisfil YMCA.
The partnership with Under Armour means performance-quality and stylish uniforms for players, in addition to other support and perks, Cochrane said.
RISE Flag Football Barrie will offer both fall and spring seasons, in addition to skills training clinics and other events.
While the program is a global organization, each league is owned and operated by a local community youth sports leader.
The entire league is co-ed, but Cochrane says there will be play focused solely on girls.
“I asked some of the girls on the (Maple Ridge) school team if it's something they would be interested in and they said they would want an all-girls team,” he said. “So there will be a girls division for grades 6, 7 and 8 and there will be one at the high school level as well. Younger than that, there will be a co-ed division as the numbers at that age likely won’t facilitate strictly girls.”
RISE Flag Football offers a variety of tournament options so teams can compete against other leagues in their region, province, or across North America
Games will take place Friday evenings from Sept. 8 to Oct. 27, from 6-10 p.m. at the Innisfil YMCA and at Georgian College's J.C. Massie Field in Barrie.
A six-on-six format allows small rosters where everyone plays, organizers say.
For more information and how to sign up, head to the website by clicking here.
