KEY WEST, Fla., Oct. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Pigskin. Gridiron. The Big Ten and the SEC. Super Bowl Sunday. Football is by far America's favorite sport, and for much of its history, it's been an exclusively male one. The tide is changing, though, with women's flag football becoming more prevalent. The International Women's Flag Football Association (IWFFA) introduces girls and women around the world to the fun and competition, as well as the heightened confidence, that comes from playing flag football on a team. The highlight of the year for IWFFA is the annual Kelly McGillis Classic, a week-long tournament held in Key West, Florida, that draws teams from all over the world to compete.
Diane Beruldsen founded the International Women's Flag Football Association in 1997, combining international and national teams all across the United States. Diane had the vision of a worldwide organization, run by women and for women and girls only that would introduce the sport of flag football around the globe. The IWFFA started its global outreach by introducing the sport in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland in the 1990s and later in Cuba, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Afghanistan. The organization has also helped form teams in Canada, India, Egypt, Scotland, and Puerto Rico and continues its growth each year, knowing no boundaries.
Diane Beruldsen describes IWFFA's unique approach to the sport:
"Some athletes play to win, some to socialize, some for exercise, and some to experience the sport of flag football. We have modified IWFFA rules throughout the years to allow any girl or woman, no matter what her skill level, size, or speed, to be a valuable asset to the team. 8 on 8 IWFFA rules include blocking, kicking, and a wide variety of skills which make the game very exciting for the spectator."
In each country, IWFFA personnel hold clinics and train women to play, coach, officiate, and manage the sport, developing healthy programs for the female athlete. It also offers scholarships, connects individual players with teams, and hosts tournaments around the globe. The IWFFA holds its Kelly McGillis Classic each January in Key West, which became the largest flag football tournament in the world with over 1,500 attendees.
The 28th annual Kelly McGillis Classic is a weeklong event will be held in Key West, Florida, from January 22-29, 2019. Tournament games are played on January 24–28, followed by the 10th Annual World Challenge Game which pits the USA All Stars vs. the International All Stars.
In addition to the flag football competitions, IWFFA will host the 2nd International Women's Flag Football Conference. Throughout the week, attendees will enjoy guest speakers addressing topics of empowerment and leadership, fun social activities, and all that Key West has to offer. Teams are invited to compete by registering on the IWFFA website at http://www.iwffa.com. Individual women who want to be part of the Loose Women's Team can email [email protected]. Interested sponsors can contact the organization by emailing [email protected].
Many teams from around the world have competed in the Kelly McGillis tournaments: Canada, Denmark, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, Honduras, Iceland, Mexico, Norway, Panama, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Sweden, and the United States. In the 2019 competition, IWFFA will welcome new teams from India and Afghanistan.
Diane Beruldsen comments on the value of women's flag football:
"We see flag football as a vehicle of women's empowerment. As important as the game itself is the true camaraderie that develops, even among opponents. Flag football fosters self-esteem, confidence, and leadership skills: characteristics essential for all women on the field or off. Our organization exists to give girls and women worldwide the opportunity to push themselves individually while being part of a supportive organization."
Opportunities are opening up for women in unprecedented ways. The IWFFA wants to encourage and facilitate female advancement by equipping women with the experience and tools necessary to compete and achieve in the global marketplace—all while having fun playing flag football and developing relationships.
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Stephanie Carnes at [email protected].
SOURCE International Women's Flag Football Association
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