Wellsboro Football Wraps Up Inaugural Season Of Summer Flag Football

By: Ed Weaver  /  July 14, 2023  /  Photo: Ed Weaver

The Wellsboro Football team, in conjunction with NFL Flag Football, just concluded its inaugural season of summer flag football last Wednesday, July 5.

Over the month-long program 96 kids signed up from grades K-6. The goal: get kids active, have them learn the fundamental skills of football, and have fun.

"Having the ability to teach fundamentals and getting kids involved that never tried football in a low pressure atmosphere was great. I truly think we achieved our goal," head coach Matt Hildebrand said. "I think the kids enjoyed competing with their friends they may not normally see in the summer and came out knowing more than they stated with. The kids did not want the program to end and that's a great sign. I look forward to next year and hope to see even more kids involved."

The camp was run by the current Varsity coaching staff, current and former players, and former coaches.

"I was very pleased how the first year went," continued Hildebrand. "I think we can make it even better next year with what we learned. None of this program would have been possible without all the volunteer help. We were able to get past, current and high school players and coaches to help coach each team. Each week the kids were coached by individuals that have a passion for football and want to help build the future of it in Wellsboro."

Hildebrand also credits current Mansfield University Sprint Football head coach John Evans on getting the program started.

"I was looking for something for kids to do in the summer months. We had very few programs offered in the summer and I saw it as a great way to get more kids involved in football. Coach Evans had a contact at NFL flag and got it to me. We reached out and their objective and ours were the same. Having the backing of the NFL really helped in promoting our program and giving us some great gear to get the kids into."