By TENAJH SWEETING

Tribune Sports Reporter

tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

SATURDAY marked the start of what is expected to be a great season for the Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL).

Opening day brought out hundreds of girls and boys between ages 6-19 at the field opposite the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

Before matchups begin, players will go through rigorous training the next few weeks in preparation for the long season. 

Meanwhile, high school teams are training to be ready for the third edition of the BYFFL high school tournament.

The players are certainly looking forward to a good season.

Erica Delancy, a student of CV Bethel, is anticipating a successful season for flag football. 

The 15-year-old got her start in the sport last December and is very excited to be back in action. “It is so good to be back in action. I had a break but it feels really good to get back in shape to prepare for other sports as well to keep me active and in a good mood. I am looking forward to positive vibes, good health, no injuries and success,” she said.

The eleventh grader usually makes her impact at the wide receiver position. She shared some of the benefits of playing youth flag football.

“It is good because you can get scholarships and get noticed by others. You can also be noticed from playing the sport for your good deeds,” she said.

Shawn Kemp, a student of St Augustine’s College, is a versatile athlete. He has played flag football since the age of eight, primarily at the wide receiver and running back positions, and is also a track and field athlete.

The 12-year-old shared some of the drills  participated in on Saturday.

“I learnt how to pinky [catch] better. It is basically where you have to catch the ball on the right or the left side. I also learned backpedaling,” he said.

His goal for this season is to make the national team and continue to improve in the sport.

Dwania Lynes, a student of St Cecilia’s, is already a veteran performer in the BYFFL. She has played the sport for the last three years

Lynes hopes to learn more new skills this season.

“We did throwing, guiding and taking off the flags. I played  on offence. I am very excited and I want to learn more new skills and get better,” she said.

The St Cecilia’s student expressed that she really likes the sport and encouraged other girls to play.

The 2024 BYFFL regular season is slated to run until December 7. Players will travel to the USA Flag Orlando Cup competition next month that is scheduled for October 19-20.

Teams will also travel for the USA Flag Youth World Championships set for January 18-19 in Tampa, Florida.