The spring flag football season is underway and the sport continues to grow in popularity in Manitoba.
The season kicked off with a weekend full of games at Princess Auto Stadium. Nearly 2,400 players are participating in the two days of competition.
“It’s very cool, and the kids, they come out, they watch their heroes play, they watch Nick Demski and Zach Collaros play, and then they get to come out here and play themselves. It’s a very neat experience for the kids,” said Bill Johnson, the executive director of Football Manitoba.
Johnson said he joined Football Manitoba eight years ago and there were around 800 kids playing flag football. Since then, there has been dramatic growth.
“We have about almost the same number of kids playing tackle (football) and flag (football) now in the province. It’s grown to the point where it’s caught up to tackle football.”
Kids from six to 17 are able to play flag football and Johnson said they are seeing around 200 to 300 new kids sign up every year.
He believes the success of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the University of Manitoba Bisons has really pushed kids toward the game.
“I think kids want to be those football players. I think football is just popular in this province right now. And I think the fact that it’s been added as an Olympic sport helps as well. I think kids see this as a legitimate pathway to something larger.”
Flag football will be on the world stage starting in 2028, as it was given approval for the Summer Olympics.
“There’s no bigger stage. It’s very good for the sport. It’s good for football in general.”
For those who are looking to sign their kids up for football, they can find more details online.
