NFL players promote local flag football league

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Neighbors | Pam Jadue.Sammantha Cave (center) was excited to be chosen to draw names from the fish bowl for autographed prizes from NFL players Mike McGlynn (left) and Jeff Wilkins.

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Neighbors | Pam Jadue.Frank Ohl student Matt Brookes (center) poses with NFL players Mike McGlynn (left) and Jeff Wilkins.

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Neighbors | Pam Jadue.Zachary Foraker (right) receives an autographed NFL football from Jeff Wilkins after the March 11 assembly at Frank Ohl in Austintown.

Frank Ohl Intermediate School students attended a rally in the gym March 11 to learn about the health and social benefits of participating in team sports.

They got a little advice from a few guys who know quite a bit about exercise and fitness — NFL players Jeff Wilkins and Mike McGlynn.

With the help of the Youngstown Youth Flag Football League President Elliot Giles, a former YSU football player, McGlynn and Wilkins encouraged students to consider participating in the flag football league this spring.

“I am here to promote the YYFFA to get kids moving,” said McGlynn, a Fitch graduate and Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman. “It’s important to be active and it is important to be healthy. Playing flag football is an opportunity to get in shape and learn the sport without contact.”

He gave the students the opportunity to ask questions about his career and experiences playing professional football. Students were surprised to hear that even in the offseason, he needs to train three or four hours a day.

Accompanying McGlynn was Wilkins, a Fitch grad and retired St. Louis Rams kicker, who spoke to the assembly about when he was growing up in Austintown.

“I did not have video games like the kids have today. So every day, I played outside which helped to keep me healthy and in shape,” he said. “Although I think some of the games are great, they keep kids from playing outside as much as they should.”

He focused on the benefits of participating in the YYFFA.

“Flag football teaches kids the skills and rules of football without getting (tackled) and gets them outside playing and making friends.”

He encouraged students to consider participating and described the league as a good introduction to tackle rules and regulations with the opportunity to practice skills while having fun.

A few lucky students received autographed items from the players as they raffled autographed footballs and jerseys. Both players took time to meet students after the assembly.

Participation in the league is open to boys and girls from age 5-14 and is not limited by a community boundary. Players will have one game a week played on Sunday afternoons.

“The time commitment is not great, therefore it is possible to play flag football along with other spring sports,” Giles explained.

“This can also be a relationship-building opportunity. We play at Boardman High School from April until June. Last year, we had about 500 kids participate and we are hoping to increase that number.”

Anyone interested in playing this year can contact Giles at 330-754-1070 or visit www.YYFFA.net.