Regina Youth League wins prestigious award – Regina | 24CA News
It got here as a shock and a shock to Mike Thomas when Regina Flag Football League, which he has had a hand in since 2007, was acknowledged over the weekend because the NFL’s Flag Football League of the Year.
The Regina Flag Football League, which at its inception had simply 75 children signed up, and has grown to nicely over 5,000 children per yr, was introduced the award in Atlanta, Ga.
The Regina league received the award over leagues in some main U.S. centres like Los Angeles, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and the Carolinas.
For Thomas, whose title may be construed as “League Convener,” it was “surreal to be up for the same award as leagues that have some big names backing them, such as Matt Leinart, people like Tyreek Hill, and some groups out of Arizona that have some dollars that have been given to them by the Arizona Cardinals, as well as some groups out of Seattle.”
Thomas stated the award is shared amongst all the people who make the league the well-oiled machine that it’s.
“When you have really good people who have been involved with the program, that’s allowed for the experience for these kids to have been one that is enjoyable. And once you’re a parent and your child is having fun with something and you find good value in that, you’ll look to return each year,” Thomas stated.
One of the group members concerned with the league is Mat Nesbitt.
Nesbitt is a former linebacker with the Regina Rams and is now a coach and guardian within the league.
He helps to prepare the coaches within the Lumsden and Regina Beach areas, and his oldest son Sayer has performed within the RYFFL because the age of 5.
Nesbitt stated the award is befitting of the work that Thomas places in behind the scenes.
“Even talking to some people out here in Lumsden where this was their first experience in the league, then they showed up and saw how well it was run, it’s a well-deserved award,” Nesbitt stated.
One of the principle attracts for Nesbitt that retains him coming again yearly, is the familiarity and pleasant competitors.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lined up on the sideline in flag and coached against somebody that I used to play against in Regina Minor Football. That’s how tight the football community is in Regina. Despite it being such a big league, it’s a small city,” Nesbitt stated.
For Thomas, the half that makes him the happiest is seeing former Regina Rams and Thunder gamers rising up and returning to the league, having turn into mother and father within the course of.
“All these guys when you all were playing, came and coached — Tyler Hogan, Mike Kerr, Steve Hansen, the list goes on — you were young guys and brought that energy, but then now come back with your own kids. That is the most beautiful thing that I can see,” Thomas stated.
Despite successful the award, Thomas doesn’t plan to relaxation on his laurels, saying that there are at all times methods to enhance.
And he additionally stated to be looking out for some thrilling new ventures within the close to future.
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