Are You Ready for Some Football?

All photos courtesy of GPFFL

Do you smell it? That’s football in the air. And if you picture yourself tossing around the old pigskin this season, the Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League (GPFFL) is looking for a few new players. Whether you’re a rookie or an old hat at the game, registration for the fall season has officially opened online. New this year, the league’s website also features a guide to the game (think: Flag Football 101), calendar of events and official team store.

There are two ways to sign up:

Go online and click “Join Today.” To sign up, you’ll need a valid credit card using Pay Pal. The initial startup fee is just to get you registered. Unlike in previous seasons, you will not be able to submit your registration form unless it is accompanied by a credit card payment.

You can also sign up in personally at Open Play events in August (see below), but it’s first come, first serve. If you wait too long you may miss out on a position.

How much does it cost?

If you pay before August 21, you’ll earn the early Bird Special of $60. If there are slots open after August 22, the registration fee is $70. Full-time undergraduate college students (proof required) get a discounted rate of $40.

Why do I have to pay to play?

Your money goes to the overall cost to pay for referees, the fields and insurance. It also gets you a team t-shirt.

Are you captain material?

GPFFL is also looking for captains this year. If you think you’ve got what it takes to lead a team on the field – and off (these players do tons of charity work throughout the year) – sign up.

“There’s no better way to bring a smile to your face than watching your team come together,” one captain tells us. “Co-captaincy is a labor of love; but I guarantee if you give it a chance, you’ll fall in love with it. It’s not as much work as you think, and the reward of watching 12 people work towards a common goal, successfully while becoming close friends off the field through the GPFFL mission is a special accomplishment you’ll never forget. A good co-captain knows they’ve done their job when you don’t just win the game … it’s when you’re toasting with your team about the day three hours later.”

Aspiring captains are asked to email GPFFL’s Director of League Play Matt Pitucco (mattpitucco@hotmail.com) to be considered this season.

How can I learn more?

A public board meeting is being held at the William Way (Aug. 13) at 8 p.m. New members and interested parties are invited to the meeting to learn more about the league and to meet players, captains and league leaders.

You can also catch a sneak peek at Columbus Park in South Philly on Aug. 11 and 18 (10 a.m. until noon) during Open Play. The preview games allow new and interested players to hit the field, playing different positions, and finding out what Philly’s flag football is really all about.

Click here for more information.