Flag football league begins spring season

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Neighbors | Submitted.Canfield's Matteo Ricciardi looks for running room during last weekend's YYFFA game at Boardman High School. The league began its spring season with a full slate of games.

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Canfield's Antonio Maroun (with ball) makes a leaping catch during Sunday's flag football contest at Boardman High School.

More than 550 youth from the Valley took advantage of warm spring weather as they began the Youngstown Youth Flag Football Association spring season last Sunday at Boardman High School.

This spring season features a total of 56 teams competing in four age divisions. Divisions include 5-6, 7-8, 9-11 and 12-14. The league is co-ed, with boys and girls playing. The season lasts seven weeks.

Since 2007, Y2 Sports, a non-profit organization, has been the premier youth flag football organization in the Valley. The organization offers the opportunity to play football, while drastically reducing the chance of injury.

For the first time ever, the YYFFA and the Make a Wish Foundation have joined forces to grant a wish for a child with a life-threatening illness. This is the first time a youth sports organization has teamed up with the Make a Wish Foundation.

“We are extrememly excited about the opportunity to work with a nationally-recognized group in an attempt to give back to the community,” said league president Elliott Giles.

To view photos and videos from Week 1 action, visit www.yffayouth.net.