LEAGUE NEWS & NOTEWORTHY

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r the upcoming holiday seas

2009 marks NOVA Youth Flag Football 12th Year Anniversary in the Local Community

By Mark Gunderman (Loudoun Times Mirror)

 

(Ashburn July 16th)-The 700 member plus Ashburn based NOVA Youth Flag Football League in coordination with the Good Shepherd Alliance (GSA) will be running a "Support the Homeless in Loudoun County" Fundraising Raffle program this upcoming 2009 Fall Season. The Football League 700 members will sell GSA Raffle tickets starting in late August thru the end of September. The League Board of Directors has plans to donate the Raffle Grand Prize of a brand new 32 inch Television to the winner. Raffle drawing will be held on Saturday October 10, 2009.
 

The Fall of 2009 marks the 12th year that the NOVA Youth Flag Football League has supported the local community living in need by partnering with various charity programs. The organization is pleased that their local youth recreational sports league, a member of the "Fellowship of Christian Athletes", can partner in support of the Good Shepherd Alliance this upcoming fall season. The GSA is Loudoun County's oldest (since 1983) and largest (40 beds) homeless provider.

READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE BY CLICKING HERE - including quote by James Thrash of the Washington Redskins on the league.

 

ANNUAL Ashburn “Charity Begins at Home” FOOD & COAT DRIVE sponsored by the NOVA Youth Flag Football League

The NOVA Youth Flag Football League will be holding it’s Annual “Charity Begins at Home” Food & Coat Drive to help support and feed the needy in our local community. Mark down Saturday October 31st on your calendars.

This year’s food drive will be held at all of the league's playing fields and will have drop off boxes available throughout the day at each. Proceeds from the league’s food donations will be given to the VA Academy School and Community Church to hand out weekly in November as part of their food pantry to help feed and support those local community residents that are in need. Both boxed and canned food donations are welcomed.

In addition to the Food Drive, individuals may drop off any used “coats” that they may have that will be handed out to the homeless and near homeless individuals in our community through the LINKS Charity Program. The League strongly encourages players, parents, siblings and neighbors to participate in this worthy cause being held at all of our fields on Saturday October 31st.

 

A Thank You Letter from the GSA to the players, parents and coaches for your support in helping the homeless & needy in Loudoun County

"Congratulations to Tim Murphy of Ashburn for winning the Flat Screen Television Grand Prize"

The Good Shepherd Alliance (GSA) on behalf of the homeless and indigent in Loudoun County community would like to thank the youth, parents and coaches in the NOVA Youth Flag Football League, located in Ashburn, for your efforts in raising close to $5,000 in your 2009 Fall Season raffle program to support the GSA homeless programs and services.

The efforts of the young athletes in your organization reflects how the values learned in sports are life values and that working together towards a goal is more than just winning and losing games on the playing fields. What better lesson for all of us to teach the kids (and the kids in turn teach us) that working together to uplift those living in need can equate to a real victory in life.

The GSA is proud to consider the youth, parents and coaches of the Nova Youth Flag Football League a valued friend and partner in our joint efforts to help the homeless and near homeless in Loudoun County

Thank You

Mark Gunderman - GSA Vice Chairman

 

NOVA Youth Flag Football League Hosts Chinese Celebs for NFL Reality Show

By
Elizabeth Puglise - Loudoun Independent
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
 
Two teams from the local flag football league NOVA played host to a team of celebrities from China who are helping the NFL bring football into living rooms across China.

It always sounds cool to say you were on television. And if you play football, it's really cool to be on television for the NFL. Monday afternoon, kids on two teams from the NOVA Flag Football league and their coaches came out in the rain to play flag football expecting to play football with some kids from China in front of NFL cameras. The NOVA league was selected by the NFL to participate in the game for an episode of an upcoming reality show being produced for viewers in China..... CLICK HERE FOR REST OF THE ARTICLE, PHOTOS and VIDEO.

CLICK HERE to read Dan Sousa's article on the China-NOVA Youth Flag Football League event played on Labor Day  title -  "Here in America we rub dirt on it" that appeared at DULLES DISTRICT and his VIVA LOUDOUN Blog

 

 

 

Congratulations to Fall League 2008 Super Bowl Champions

" Redskins (Majors Division), Colts (Junior Division) & Buccaneers (Mites Division) all capture Titles"

Saturday November 8th featured the 11th Annual NOVA Youth Flag Football League Super Bowl Championships at Fincastle Field in Ashburn. The 2008 playoffs leading up to the Super Bowls showcased how balanced, well coached and competitive the teams were in the Fall League. Approximately half of all post season games came down to the wire with the margin of victory being decided by a touchdown or less. As you will read below, the 2008 Fall League Super Bowl games would be no different.

In one of the most exciting playoff games in league history, the Junior Division "COLTS" won a see-saw high scoring affair 46 to 40 over the Bengals to capture the American Conference Title. This exciting win propelled the Colts into the Super Bowl to face the undefeated National Conference Champions "REDSKINS". What a fitting Junior Division 9 to 11 year old Super Bowl game between two great teams this was as it appeared the title game was heading into overtime when WR Coleman Rafferty of the Colts made a spectacular catch and raced down the sideline to score the winning touchdown with only 49 seconds remaining in the game to lead his team to a thrilling 20 to 14 victory of the very tough Redskins.

Not to be outdone in the excitement department - the Mites Division (6 to 8 year olds) Super Bowl contest saw the National Conference Champs "BUCCANEERS" capped off an unbeaten season with a nail biting 18 to 16 win over the American Conference Champion "CHARGERS". The game was fittingly decided by the small margin of just a saftey.

In the Majors Division (12 to 14 years old) Super Bowl, the "REDSKINS" defeated the "COWBOYS" to complete their perfect season. In a rematch of an early regular season contest that saw the Cowboys come within two points of defeating the Redskins, the Skins high powered offense was simply just too much for the Cowboys early on in this Super Bowl contest.

The league would like to thank all of our coaches, referees, league officials, parents & especially the players (kids) for making the Fall 2008 League the most exciting and fun season in the eleven year history of the NOVA Youth Flag Football League. We look forward to our Summer Camps in late June and early August - as well as our 2009 Fall League. Registration for both will open online in March of 2009. Enrollment was filled to capacity this past year. So PLEASE register early to avoid being shut out as the league can only accommodate a certain number of players to our growing and popular summer camps and fall league programs.

r the upcoming holiday season. 

BROAD RUN HIGH SCHOOL CAPTURES VIRGINIA  FOOTBALL 2008 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

"Roster was filled with former NOVA Youth Flag Football League players that started their careers in flag before moving onto tackle"

The NOVA Youth Flag Football League would like to congratulate the players and coaches at Broad Run High School for capturing the 2008 Virginia  High School Football State Championship. A quick look at their football roster will show a whose - who of former NOVA Youth Flag Football League players that started their football careers playing flag football in our Ashburn based league.  Congratulations also goes out to both Briar Woods and Stone Bridge high school football players that previously played in our flag league, as both schools advanced to the high school playoffs this past fall season. A glance at their rosters also show a significant number of alumni from our league.

These group of young men are testament that you do not have to put the pads on at a very young age if your are not ready for contact. The philosophy of the NOVA Youth Flag Football League is to teach kids all of the fundamentals of football except the contact part - in which those kids that like can move on to tackle football when they are ready at an older age. It is more important for kids to "fall in love" with the great sport of football at an early age (flag is great for this as it is so much fun) - What history is now showing us is that those kids that wish to move on to tackle when they are ready, do so with a passion, understanding and love for the sport.

 

 

Congratulations to the teams that were victorious this past Saturday (November 1st). Below are the November 8th next round match ups.

MITES DIVISION

JUNIOR DIVISION

MAJOR DIVISION

SUPER BOWL "TAIL GATE" PARTY

There will be a free League "Tailgate Party" (hot dogs & chips) available at the Awards Tent during all Super Bowl Games.

Players, coaches, parents, and fans are encouraged to attend.

 

 

Dynamic Sports Performance (DSP) offers NOVA Youth Flag Football League Discounts

"DSP will be in attendance to answer questions on all programs during the November 8th Super Bowl Games"

Dynamic Sports Performance of Ashburn is the proud athletic conditioning, speed and power training partner of the NOVA Youth Flag Football League. In addition to participating in our summer camp programs, DSP will be offering at discount rates to all NOVA Youth Flag Football League members the following upcoming winter and spring programs to help kids prepare for the many different Spring sports activities and teams.    

 Visit www.dspashburn.com to see specific flyers on the programs listed above.  Winter Programs begin on November 24th !

Be sure to visit the DSP Tent at the Fincastle Field during the 11th Annual NOVA Youth Flag Football League Super Bowls on Saturday November 8th for more information or contact Mark Nemish at 703-858-5016. Make sure you mention that you are from the NOVA Youth Flag Football League to receive the discounted rate.

 

 

NOVA Youth Flag Football League Loudoun County homeless children "Toys for Tots" Program

"Help assist those less fortunate children in Loudoun County over the Holidays"

The NOVA Youth Flag Football League in partnership efforts with The Good Shepherd Alliance will once again be coordinating the purchases of Christmas gifts for ALL the children under the ages of 18 years that live in one of the three homeless shelters located in Loudoun County. Last year the NOVA Youth Flag Football League was able to get enough individuals to participate so that EVERY homeless sheltered child received a wrapped gifts (or gifts) on Christmas morning. We are looking to achieve the same results this upcoming holiday season but NEED YOUR HELP as there are MANY MORE homeless children in our County this year due to the current financial economic climate. Again with an organization the size of the NOVA Youth Flag Football League, we can make sure that every child in one of Loudoun County's Homeless Shelters has a wrapped present(s) to open on Christmas morning.

We cannot even express in words the gratitude expressed by the families that received the gifts last Christmas as many of the kids expected zero x-man presents due to their families financial situation. All NOVA Youth Flag Football families that participated last year can say that is was truly "a blessing to all of us to be able to assist a fellow community family in need".

Individuals interested in participating can do so by adopting as little as one child (or if you choose so an entire family). Contact the league at novaflag@mindspring.com to learn more. 

 

 

 NOVA Youth Flag Football League Annual "Help Feed the Needy" in Loudoun County Food Drive

"Mark down on your calendars Saturday November 1st to bring your donations"

In an effort to assist Loudoun County Interfaith Relief Organization achieve its goal,  The NOVA Youth Flag Football League as part of our Annual “Help Feed the Needy” program is collecting basic food items  during the first week of the playoffs on Saturday November 1st at the Fincastle and Choptank playing fields (please see the list of needed items below).  Food donations will support  Loudoun County Interfaith Relief Organization alleviate hunger in our local community. We are helping the area’s most needy children, families, seniors and homeless with a basic human need – food. And what better time to provide such then around the upcoming Thanksgiving Holidays. 

 Drop-off boxes will be set up at Fincastle and Choptank fields the first week of the playoffs on Saturday November 1st.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and kindness.  Your donations will go a long way in helping a family in need.  Teams or individuals are more then welcome to participate. 

Food items needed:

Non-perishable Food Items
Canned Proteins (tuna, salmon, chicken, peanut butter)
Canned Fruits in Own Juices or Light Syrup (pineapples, peaches, and pears)
100% Fruit Juices (All sizes including juice boxes)
Grains (pasta, whole wheat pasta, rice, brown rice, macaroni and cheese)
Condiments (tomato based sauces, light soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, light salad dressings)
Low Sodium/ No Salt Added Canned Vegetables (mixed, green beans, corn)
Soups (beef stew, chili, chicken noodle, turkey rice)
Multigrain Cereal (cheerios, cornflakes, grapenuts, raisin bran)

 

 

 

Picture Day set for Saturday October 11th

The NOVA Youth Flag Football League will be holding it's Annual "Picture Day" on Saturday October 11th at Fincastle Field.  Memory Makers Photographers once again will be handling the scheduling of each team picture times on this date. In addition, coaches will have photo packets to hand out to all parents at upcoming practice either this week or next.  Memory Makers Photographers will once again be taking team and individual players pictures.

 

Trash at the Field Reminders

Coaches, Players and Parents are being reminded to "clean up" their sidelines, fields and parking lots when leaving their games and practices. Also be sure to stack any litter neatly in the trash bins. The NOVA Youth Flag Football League thanks everyone in advance for helping keep our community clean (and the league from receiving complaints from the authorities that grant us our fields).

 

Just a Reminder - Adult Role Models for the Kids & Zero Tolerance Rule

Reminder that our league is 110% about the kids. All adults (parents, fans and coaches) are being asked to refrain from using any sort of inappropriate (cussing), arguing, or degrading language towards a player, coach, referee of any other individual, regardless of the situation at hand - and especially in front of any of the kids. The League appreciates all adult coaches, parents and fans efforts with the kids, league and community but want to once again remind all that our league is not about the adults, but about giving the children (players) a positive fun experience in football. Teaching them skills in a competitive practice and game environment. If  a team should happen to win a game or two along the way - even better.

The Zero Tolerance Rule states that the league has in the past - and will in the future at its discretion, remove any adult from the field or ban from attending league events that takes the focus off of the kids and onto themselves by acting out in behavior that does not reflect the values of the League (see Mission Statement in yellow below). We thank all in advance for your understanding and considerations.

With this being said, the 2008 Fall Season with 47 teams playing 23 games each Saturday has shown very few incidents of the above - considering the size of our league. Once again this is a positive reflection on all of the community values that the majority of the parents, players, coaches & fans bring to our league family.

 

 

Briar Woods at Broad Run as Fox Channel 5  High School Football "Game of the Week"

  

Briars Woods at Broad Run High School (Friday night at 7:30pm) - This game will showcase two of Virginia's top High School  programs with the winner poised to capture the Dulles District Title - Both high schools are located in our very own Ashburn community - both teams are comprised of many former NOVA Youth Flag Football League players and current league referees who will get to showcase their talents on FOX 5 Television during a preview of the game on Thursday sports report and then highlights of the game on Friday night's 10:00pm news/sports telecast.

NOVA Youth Flag Football League members that will be attending the "Big Game" between the two Ashburn rivals should wear their current Flag team jersey in show of support for the alumni and refs from our league that currently are on both high school teams. But if you plan on attending the game in our community, get there early as over 8,000 fans are expected to pack the stands at Broad Run High School this Friday night !
 

 

 

NOVA Youth Flag Football League teams up with “Dynamic Sports Performance” to offer “Speed, Power & Agility” training

“DSP offer two programs to league members tailored just for kids”

Introduction to Weight Training – Open to league members 9 to 14 years old. Course is designed to teach our young athletes the following,

 

DSP Fit for Kids Program – Open to all league members and their siblings. Basic course in circuit training.

For more information on either of the above, feel free to contact Mark or Dave at 703-858-5016 or by email at results@dynamicsportsperformance.com

Be sure to mention that you are from the NOVA “NFL” Youth Flag Football League to receive a discount. Dynamic Sports Performance (DSP) training facility is located on the 2nd floor at the Ashburn Ice House.
 

 

 

2008 Fall League Kicks off with 47 teams playing in three age divisions (Saturday September 13,2008)

It turned out to be a sunny hot fall day as the NOVA Youth Flag Football League kicked off its 11th year with over 46 teams taking the fields and 23 games being played. On a side note the league had to unfortunately turn away over 100 kids due to fall season registration filling up to capacity by July. The popularity of the league continues to grow each season thanks to the efforts of our coaches, supportive parents, sportsmanship of the players and the hard work of the league officials. Saturday welcomed the addition of many new players to the league as well as some new coaches. Throw in the mix of returning players and returning coaches and the 2008 Fall League Season promises to be the most fun and competitive in league history – Exciting games played this past Saturday in all age divisions clearly indicates this may very well be the case.  Standings and Game Summaries & Highlights will appear updated on this web site each week no later then on Monday. Let the fun and games begin !

Hey don't forget us five year olds ! -  Oh yes the NOVA Youth Flag Football League has a 47th team. The Rob Morris and Brian Love coached Redskins are a group of hard working five year olds that are practicing in the leagues "Skills Development" Division in preparation for when they turn six years of age and can play in the Mites Division next season. Once ready, this group of young men will be actually playing some real live football games with referees and game clock/score in October.

 

Kids Helping Kids with Cancer

 

"Help Join fellow NOVA Youth Flag League parent Lisa Millar in this great cause"

 

September 16, 2008 Ashburn, VA- The Brad Kaminsky Foundation, an Ashburn based not-for-profit organization that is committed to raising awareness and funds for brain tumor research, while providing support and resources to those affected by cancer, will host the Third Annual “Kids  Helping Kids” Lemonade Stand on September 27, 2008 outside of Rita’s Italian Ice, in the Ashburn Village Shopping Center from 11am-3pm.

The lemonade stand will be run by children from Loudoun County. (If your child would like to work a ½ hour shift, please contact Lisa Millar at 703-729-9897 or email DNL1231@aol.com. 

Fresh squeezed lemonade, baked goods, and raffle tickets plus samples will be served.  The proceeds will benefit Pediatric Cancer Research and is held in September in honor of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month and Pediatric Brain Tumor Awareness Day (Sept 30). The lemonade stand proceeds will also benefit the LoneliestRoad.org and the Children’s Neuroblastoma Foundation and Taylor Love, 3 year old Ashburn resident, as well as Kailee Vance, Ashburn resident, and Tracy’s Kids, a hospital art program for children with cancer.

Please stop by and support the Love and Vance families, as well as all those affected by cancer.

The Foundation is hostingtwo other events of interest to  families.

Halloween Walk for Brain Tumor Research on Oct 18th, 2008 from 2-4pm at the Ashburn Village Sports Pavilion Lake. $5 per walker and children can show off their costumes and collect treats as they walk around the lake. Miles will be logged toward the International Brain Tumor Alliance’s Walk Around the World.

Glory Days Grill-Great for Coaches and Season End Parties

From now until Dec 31, All Glory Days in Northern Va, will donate 10% of your check (alcohol, tax and gratuity excluded) to the Brad Kaminsky Foundation. If you patronize one of these local restaurants please ask for a copy of your check (not credit card receipt) and give to Lisa Millar. 10% will be donated to the foundation. Please consider having your season end parties at the Broadlands Glory Days grill, it will end up being a substantial donation to cancer research.

To learn more about the Brad Kaminsky Foundation, volunteer, or register for an event check out www.tbkf.org, or contact Lisa Millar at 703-729-9897 or email DNL1231@aol.com

 

 

Never to early to start thinking about winter sports !

 

Play in the Farmwell Station Basketball League this 2008/9 Winter Season

 

WHERE ARE THEY NOW ! (September 4, 2008)

On a cold blustery day in November of 1997 at the Fincastle Field, then eight year old Ryan Moody scored the winning touchdown with less then two minutes remaining to lead his Jets team to the Mites Division Championship 24 to 20 over the Buccaneers in one of the most exciting Super Bowl games played in league history.  Now eleven years later, Ryan Moody is playing Division One college football as a wide receiver at William & Mary College.  Ryan used his youth flag football experience to learn the basic skills, agilities and football fundamentals that would later enabled him to to become an ALL STATE wide Receiver last fall season for the State Champions Stone Bridge High School football team. Ryan has since become the first NOVA Youth Flag Football League alumni to advance to play Division One college football.  Good Luck to Ryan as he continues into college his football career that was started way back in the Fall of 1997 in our league !

                  
 

A four-year letter winner at wide receiver at Stone Bridge for Head Coach Mickey Thompson … Helped Stone Bridge to the Virginia AAA Division 5 State Championship in 2007 … Tied the state record for touchdowns in the championship game with three to go along with 158 yards receiving … As a senior, earned first-team all-state, all-region and all-district honors … Broke the Stone Bridge school records for receiving yards in a season with 1199, receiving touchdowns with 19 and receptions with 59 … Also lettered in basketball at Stone Bridge … Was an SCA Rep and a member of DECA and FBLA ...  As an eight year old led his NOVA Youth Flag Football League Jets team to the 1997 Mites Division Super Bowl Championship !!!


 

League Alumni listed all over local Ashburn High School football rosters !

With the current high school football season underway, One quick look at the Broad Run, Stone Bridge and Briar Woods High School football rosters will reveal a “whose – who” of  players that got their start in the NOVA Youth Flag Football League in their younger days.  At one point in their youth football playing days, too many to count current local Ashburn high school players started their careers in our youth flag league.  Several who are still part of our league as summer camp counselors and referees officiating our games on Saturdays. Good Luck this football season to all league alumni and especially to Ethan Miller, Taylor Evans and Ray D’Argenio who now showcase their football skills under the high school lights on Friday evenings - then quickly switch to striped shirts on Saturday during the day to officiate our league games.   As our Alumni will attest, flag football is starting to prove to be an excellent training ground to improve children's basic football skills,  agility, speed, power and overall athletic ability. Thanks to the coaches, parents, alumni and league officials, our NOVA Youth Flag Football League continues to introduce our young athletes to a great, fun and exciting sport that will provide them with lifetime worth of  fond positive childhood memories.

For those former players that did not wish to continue their football careers, our NOVA Youth Flag Football League is also equally  proud  of  each of the alumni still part of our league officiating this fall season - many whom are excelling at  academics and other school activities & sports. So be sure to give a big hello to Zack Lough, Cooper Sousa, Felix Birdie and Kevin McGaughey when you see them officiating at the fields. It is great that once our young players reach an age where they can no longer play, that they can still remain part of the league they enjoyed so much in their earlier childhoods.  Of course no such program the league offers could be completed if it was not for the mentoring and training our former league players receive from our adult referees, coaches and league officials that make such a program possible for our young adults.

So parents and coaches - be careful if you question any calls made by our league referees as many of them played up to eight years in our league and can recite the rules in their sleep as a result !

 

 

Washington Redskins James Thrash visits the NOVA Youth Flag Football League June Summer Camp

"Our August camp saw former Redskins and Eagles Troy Drake speaking to our campers"

 

(August 22, 2008) - Washington Redskins wide receiver James Thrash visited the NOVA Youth Flag Football League Summer Camp on June 26th and spent two hours with the campers,  running them through drills, signing autographs and speaking to the children, counselors and coaches about his life experiences and the importance of putting God and Faith number one in ones life.  James also talked to the group about playing for the Washington Redskins and his goals in life beyond football by helping others.  James has agreed to continue to be a positive role model to our league members  by having future speak engagements  during the Fall League Season and future summer camps.

Former Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles linemen Troy Drake took over speaking duties at our league's August summer camp by stressing to our league campers the importance of  staying away from drugs and doing well in school.  The NOVA Youth Flag Football is very please to call Troy Drake one of our  own league family member as he coaches the Eagles in our Mites Division.  Pending his schedule,  Troy Drake will be attending our Super Bowls in November and signing autographs for all league members , families and fans !

Another highlight of both of our 2008 Summer Camps was the training provided by Dynamic Sports Performance certified athletic fitness trainers. DSP trainers ran the campers through multiple drills that centered on improving  speed, agility, quickness and power. In addition the campers was taught the value of proper nutrition and it's role in improving energy and performance.

Of course no NOVA Youth Flag Football League Summer Camp would be complete without the end of the week flag football camp tournament that was played on Friday. Congratulations to all of the winning teams !

Over all both separate weeks of the NOVA Youth Flag Football League 2008 Summer Camps was filled to capacity with a waiting list.  Special thanks goes out to all of the coaches, camp counselors and staff members that assisted the league in running once again a very successful and fun filled camps. 

 

 

Fourth Annual Loudoun Walk for The Homeless (August 31, 2008)

The NOVA Youth Flag Football League will be joining The Good Shepherd Alliance  in their annual Walk for the Homeless on Saturday September 20th . Help The Good Shepherd Alliance celebrate their 25th year with the Loudoun Community in meeting the needs of Homeless Persons. Teams and players that do not have scheduled games in the morning are encouraged to participate.

 Throughout this upcoming Fall 2008 Season,  the NOVA Youth Flag Football League will be working in partnership with various local area charities in providing our league members with opportunities to get involved in helping others in Loudoun County.

The Good Shepherd Alliance, Inc. in cooperation with the Fannie Mae Foundation supports the homeless in Northern Virginia by sponsoring the 4th annual Walk-a-thon through the historic section of Leesburg, Virginia.  All proceeds benefit the Loudoun homeless at The Good Shepherd Alliance shelters for women, children and families.
  • 8:00AM.   Pre-registration Check-in and Event Day Registration begins
  • 9 30 AM   Walkathon begins
  • Donuts and Refreshments

        Starting point is the Douglass Community Center, 407 E. Market Street, Leesburg, VA 

Walk through historic Leesburg, and back to Douglass Community Center Pavilion.  *
  • Preregister & Save: Adult walkers who preregister save $5 off the registration fee.
  • Preregistration fee: $25 for adults, $15 for youth (age 25 and younger)
  • Event Day Registration fee: $30 for adults, $15 for youth (age 25 and younger)

   *  Special Feature:   INOVA Medical Health Van on site @ Douglass Center

    Free Health Screenings: Blood Pressure – Bone Density – Vision – Body Mass Index

For registration information visit www.loudounhomeless.org, under “The 4th Annual Walk” choose the “Leesburg Registration Page” link or call GSA at 703-724-1555.

 

 

 

Lessons of football translate well into real life

 

By Dan Reeves  (Former player and head coach in the National Football League)

Parents, coaches,league officials and the sport itself can generate positive influences for kids through football that can help children learn valuable life lessons.  Other than my mom and dad, the people who had the most influence on me were the players and coaches from my youth football childhood days..

In my younger football days, coaches were like a second dad.. When I played youth football as well as High School - and then to the University of South Carolina, coaches were the same way. I looked up to them. I wanted to be just like them and the older players in the league.. It was the same with Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry. He didn't talk a lot about his faith, but you could see something special about him. In these coaches, I saw people I wanted to emulate — in football and in life.

Coaches today still have every chance to use football to teach. A brawl this past weekend at the Miami-Florida International college football game made everyone wince — coaches, players, and fans. A couple of years ago in the NFL, a Tennessee Titans player stomped on the head of his Dallas opponent.

When people (coaches, parents & league officials) of influence in football fail to set the right example to the kids, they're missing what football can teach about life on the field and, more important, off the field.

Recently, I was privileged to join an advisory board on a film made in Albany, Ga., that hits on the head what I think about football and faith in God, and what football can teach about life. Facing the Giants is produced by a church, of all things, in a town about three hours south of Atlanta, starring no one you've ever heard of.

The movie is about a coach, his wife and his team, all of whom have to face giants of fear and failure. In desperation, the coach sets his sights beyond winning to what it means to follow God. As lives begin to turn around, so does the fortunes and winning of the team.

The football players in the movie are real-life high school players. Not 25-year-old Hollywood actors, but skinny-legged boys learning important lessons about life as they learn about football. Football — competing, trying to be the best, never giving up — taught me lessons I tried to pass on in my years as head coach:

Hard work.

It wasn't unusual to have a young player come into my office running third or fourth string in training camp and wanting to quit. I'd tell him, "When I think you can't play anymore, I'll be the first one to tell you. But don't quit, because once you quit, it's easy to do it a second time." It's the same in life. Football teaches you that if you want to succeed in the game, you have to do things before practice, during practice and after practice to be the best you can be.

Teamwork.

There's no better team sport than football, and being part of a team is true to life. I don't know of anyone who achieved success by himself. The ability to work with people and make them the best they can be comes from lessons in practice and in the game.

Rules.

The rules don't bend in football or in life. You might not like a law, but you live by it. You might not like a rule, but you play by it — or are penalized. Those players in the brawl and the one who purposely injured his opponent are learning this lesson the hard way.

Life.

Many times during my years in the NFL, I saw players turn their lives around through sports influence. To me, helping my players off the field was just as important as trying to make them good players. The game covers only a short period of life, and then it's over. A player's life after football, and how he lives it, is more important.

One of my favorite Bible verses says we run the race to win. Football helps teach us that what we sacrifice today, we gain tomorrow. I'm grateful for football, for the coaches, the hardships, the teams, the practices, the games and the friendships that helped me face my giants — and shaped who I am.

To all of the parents, coaches and league officials across the country, you each play a vital role in using football to teach our children valuable life lessons. Do not down play the roles each of you have in youth football.

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