Kingsport launches inaugural NFL Flag Football season
Cheers, high-fives and the spirit of competition filled J. Fred Johnson Stadium this past Saturday, as Kingsport Parks and Recreation kicked off its first-ever NFL FLAG football season.
The inaugural event marked the city’s official entry into the National Football League’s premier youth flag football program, joining more than 750,000 athletes in over 1,800 leagues nationwide.
Former Dobyns-Bennett High School Football Coach Graham Clark fired up the crowd, underscoring the importance of youth sports and encouraging kids to get outside and play the game he loves.
Milligan University Head Flag Football Coach Ryan Whitten, along with Lady Buffs players Blakelee Ollis, Ashton Whearley and Christian Davis, added to the excitement, welcoming players onto the field and leading them through action-packed skills and drills.
The hands-on experience gave the young athletes the chance to learn from these college-level players while building their own confidence.
“The partnerships set the tone for what this program is all about: teamwork, mentorship and community pride,” said Chassy Smiley, Recreation Superintendent for Kingsport Parks and Recreation. “These are the kinds of connections that build strong, lasting foundations for our youth and our city.”
Sports fans interested in watching the games are encouraged to come out and attend at the following locations:
- Lynn View Community Center hosts games for the 9-10 league on Mondays and Thursdays and double-headers for the 11-12 league on Tuesdays.
- The Kingsport Boys and Girls Club hosts games for the 5-6 league on Mondays and Wednesdays and the 7-8 league on Mondays and Thursdays.
Note – The younger age divisions play at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.; the older age divisions play at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Kingsport’s NFL FLAG Football program is offered through a partnership between the City of Kingsport and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kingsport, offering boys and girls a safe, fun and competitive environment to develop their skills and passion for football.
For information about other classes, programs and events from Kingsport Parks and Recreation, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.
