Airman starts women’s flag football league

***image1***A simple idea that sprouted six months ago is now being fulfilled on the athletic fields at Ramstein – a women’s flag football league. Senior Airman Summer Thorn was working out at the gym earlier this year, watching football and thought, “Man that looks like fun.”

“Although there had already been a tournament for women’s flag football on base, we wanted more. We had a taste of football, and we wanted a league,” said Airman Thorn.  

So she culti-vated interest within her squadron, rounding up 18 females to begin practicing. But in order to create a league, she found out she had to build an interest base-wide, so she created fliers and contacted each squadron’s sports representative.

Master Sgt. Larry Morrison, a coach from the 435th Logistics Readiness Squadron, was surprised at the interest in the game.

“I was shocked at the amount of interest. I had no idea that eight teams and over 90 ladies were interested in playing football,” he said.

A new player to the game, Staff Sgt. Rita Airheart, had never had the option to play in a women’s flag football league.

“I have always been a fan of football,” Sergeant Airheart said. “This is the first intramural sport I have played in the Air Force and it’s a ton of fun.”

Although there was high interest concerning the league, there were some challenges along the way for Airman Thorn. Funding was not available from the 435th Services Squadron, but they were able to provide a playing field, equipment and volunteer referees. None of it would have been possible without Airman Thorn’s hard work.

***image2***“Airman Thorn should be commended for establishing this league,” said Coach Morrison. “She has put a huge amount of effort in to ensure that this league happens – not only with her time but she has also had some out-of-pocket expenses.”

There are currently eight teams in the league, consisting of a minimum of eight players over the age of 18.

“The girls that I have practiced with are amazing, and I will remember this experience forever,” said Airman Thorn. “They have practiced hard for me at some pretty tough practice sessions, and in turn, I promised them a league. I fell in love with football. With every play you are going to war, attacking the other team. This is no ordinary game. This game not only demands physical fitness, strength and stamina, but it requires brains.”

For more information on the league or to join, contact Airman Thorn at summer.thorn@ramstein.af.mil.