Girls flag football team makes history

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Neighbors | Submitted.Youth flag football team members Aleah Hughes (Poland), Rachel Maslach (Western Reserve), Nicole Barbone (Western Reserve), Macy Diaz (Poland), Alexis Hughes (Poland), Jahnice Berry (Youngstown) and Rylee Leider (Salem) will compete in the national championships in Orlando. Also pictured is coach Ellott Giles.

“I’m going to Disney World!”

The 12-14 year old girls flag football team made history by advancing to the NFL FLAG National Tournament of Champions in Orlando. The squad will be the first-ever from Youngstown to compete in this event.

The team won the regional tournament in Cincinnati and earned an all-expenses paid trip to Orlando, where they will play at the Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World Feb. 24-27.

The competition will be aired on ESPN.

The team includes Poland residents Aleah Hughes, Macy Diaz and Alexis Hughes, Rachel Maslach (Western Reserve), Nicole Barbone (Western Reserve), Jahnice Berry (Youngstown) and Rylee Leider (Salem).

“This exemplifies the cultural diversity which we promote in our organization,” said Elliot Giles, president of the Youngstown Youth Flag Football League. “We are so proud of these girls and wish them good luck.”