When critics snap at me with a juvenile retort to one of my columns, “Have you ever played the game?”, I proudly say, “Well, yes I have.”
Football. Flag football. Coed flag football.
It seems I’ve been playing since the days of leather helmets. These days, all you need is a pair of cleats, shorts with no pockets, and a competitive spirit.
I’ve been involved in coed leagues since they first formed in Central Florida in 1995 under the Orlando Sport and Social Club, and I became a catch-all player/coach/general manager for the “Big Dawgs.”
Coed flag football has its own share of shining championship moments, wonderful and dysfunctional relationships, and a competitive bond that keeps everybody coming back despite the aches and pains the morning after. There’s been a slight uptick in my Advil consumption, but it’s so worth it.
We’re in the competitive bunch, but Orlando Sport and Social, as well as 8Coed, also run leagues at beginning and intermediate levels.
If you want to play: Contact 8Coed at ([email protected] ;407-383-8008;) or Orlando Sport and Social Club at ([email protected];407-896-9510. Individuals or teams are welcome.
George Diaz is a sports columnist for the Orlando Sentinel.