GREEN BAY (WLUK) — Children of all abilities laced up their cleats Friday for an evening of flag football fun.
It stems from a partnership between the Fox River Classic Youth Football League (FRC) and the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW) that aims to make football an inclusive sport.
On Friday, one of FRC’s four game fields at Capital Credit Union Park in Green Bay was specially reserved for members of the DSAW program to play a flag football game of their own.
“Just learn a little bit about pulling flags, catching the ball, throwing the ball, taking handoffs and just having fun. It’s something that they may not ordinarily get to do, so we thought, why not give them the opportunity to do that,” said FRC Commissioner Steven Childers. “It’s all about having fun and creating memories.”
DSAW participants teamed up with FRC coaches and members of the Green Bay Blizzard indoor football team, who were there to help out. Childers said it’s important to provide opportunities like this for every child to enjoy.
“It’s so wonderful to see these kids, the smiles on their faces and the interaction that they’re having with each other, with some of our coaches, with the Blizzard players that are out here. It’s just amazing,” Childers said.
The event also served as a fundraiser to raise awareness about Down syndrome and money for DSAW.
“This is the first time we’ve ever done something like this, but I promise you it’s not the last,” Childers said.
FRC Youth Football offers a variety of teams in their spring and fall leagues, including 5v5 co-ed flag, 5v5 girls flag and 7v7 football, with age ranges from 7U to 17U. To learn more or register your child, click here.
To learn more about DSAW or make a donation, click here.