Flag Football off to a Great Start

City of La Feria NFL Flag Football, CO-ED

La Feria has the honor of being one of the few cities in the Rio Grande Valley and the country to offer an NFL Flag Football program to school-age kids. NFL Flag Football is in its fourteenth year, and has become the fastest growing sport. It has also attracted boys and girls ages 5-12 from the surrounding communities to join. In the La Feria program, participation has increased to a whopping 170-plus total of registered players this season.

To learn more about these impressive numbers, LA FERIA NEWS met with Frank Tamez, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of La Feria.

This is his third year coaching Flag Football and directing special recreation and athletic events for the city. However, this energetic coach has a total of 30 years in his profession. Previous to his current position in La Feria, he had worked in Harlingen and Donna I.S.D. as coach.

Tamez explained that the program provides non-contact continuous action, while requiring minimal equipment. “The parents are especially happy about the “non-contact” rules of the sport–the parents love it,” he said, adding, “that “non-contact” aspect of the game makes it safer for the youngsters.”

Besides the fun of football, coach Tamez said the aim of the program is to teach good sportsmanship as they learn the skills of the sport. The players will receive a reversible NFL jersey and a flag belt.

The public is invited to all the games. NFL Flag Football sports events are played on Saturdays during the season at Veteran’s Sports Park located on Pancho Maples Drive. The playoffs begin on Saturday 26, 2015. The games start at 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Regional and National tournaments are also held at different locations throughout the United States.

The La Feria Flag football team will be meeting teams from Edcouch, Elsa, Santa Maria and San Benito as the season begins..

Tamez reports his team is primed and ready for the athletic competition. So, it’s high time for our local citizens to get excited and support these young players as they learn good sportsmanship and have fun in this rapidly growing non-contact sport. Coach Tamez invites interested families to call him for information about the La Feria NFL Flag Football program. His number is (956) 797-2812.