NEW SPORT BEING ADDED
One of the fastest growing sports in Georgia is coming to Jones County’s recreation fields. Sign-ups for girls flag football are now underway for ages 7-14.
At this time, plans are for teams to compete in 8U, 10U, 12U and 14U age divisions.
The addition of girls flag football will make for a busy fall on playing fields in Jones County.
Already hosting the sports of soccer and football in the fall, flag football will add a third activity.
“We’re really excited.
Any time we get an opportunity to start a new sport, there’s a lot of excitement,” Jones County Parks & Recreation Director Bert Rosenberger said.
“Football is obviously very boy-driven, so this is another option. That’s what I like about the fall.
We also have soccer and football going on, so now girls have two options.”
But that also means more athletes competing, something Rosenberger has no issue with.
“That’s what we want; we want as many opportunities as possible to get people off the couch,” Rosenberger said.
The sport has seen significant growth statewide in recent years, so much so that the GHSA has seen enough interest to have full postseason brackets created for three classifications.
That, Rosenberger said, actually played a role in the addition of the sport being proposed.
Much like existing youth football leagues, the leagues will be staged by the Jones County Youth Football Association.
“Flag football has been on our radar since it really began blowing up in the last few years in the GHSA,” Rosenberger said. “You see their games on TV in the playoffs, and a lot of people may have friends and family in other communities getting involved, so we decided now would be a good time.”
The cost is $100 per person, and registration is open until Aug. 1. A birth certificate should be brought to sign-ups, and there is a mandatory uniform fitting.
