MANSFIELD — Mann Wilson said it’s been a dream of his for years to bring flag football back to the park where he and his friends once played pick-up games.
“I used to live down the street. This park is my home,” Wilson said, standing on the sidelines of a makeshift football field at Johns Park.
“It’s always been a thing of mine to give back to the community and this is my way of really giving back to the community.”
The Mansfield Parks Flag Football League had its first two games Saturday, but is accepting sign-ups through Oct. 4.
Players practice three times a week and play on Saturdays at Johns Park. The season will run through Nov. 16.
Wilson said he and all the coaches, referees and chain gang members are volunteers.
“No budget, but we’re doing everything for the kids,” he said.
Some of Kye Bowman’s best childhood memories are from playing rec league football. So when Wilson asked him to coach, he was immediately on board.
Like Wilson, he has fond memories playing in a youth league.
“I come from the same place these kids have came from,” Bowman said. “I still got mentors and coaches (from flag football) to this day that I still talk to. I want to be a part of that.”
Wilson said he hopes the league provides kids an opportunity to get outside, have fun and learn the fundamentals of football.
“It gives them options and it keeps them away from the game systems and sitting in the house, driving their parents crazy,” he said. “It gives them something fun to do.
“Maybe it’ll stop some of this killing and gun violence.”
Registration open through Oct. 4
The league is open to boys and girls in first through sixth grade. Registration is $15 per child or $10 per child for families with three or more children. Players get a t-shirt and free entry into the spring league.
For more information on how to sign up or volunteer, contact Mann Wilson at 419-973-2037.
