Ripping flags and getting snags. This year the united flag football team is on the hunt for a dominating season and coaches are just as excited as the players.
“ My hopes for the season is that we win sectionals. We came close last year so we would like to do that again. Also we have a really diverse team of kids with and without disabilities, and to see them play together is always exciting.” Coach Amanda Westerfield said.
The team indeed has a very diverse roster including students with and without disabilities. Christian Jones has autism and is regarded as one of the team's strongest links on the field. And he only has great things to say about his team.
“ It's fun to play for the team. The team helps me face challenges on and off the field. My team really makes me want to help others.” Christian Jones said.
People often think that united sports are not competitive due to the members with disabilities, however that is far from the truth. United sports gives everyone a chance to be competitive on the field. It is definitely a big surprise when you come to watch a game.
“I think my favorite part is that no one really knows what to expect when they come to one of our games, and then they see the partnership that we have and they see the competitiveness that we have when we play.” Coach Athtenia Condra said.
Just like coach Athenia said diversity is a big part of united sports but even with that, teams with members of all kinds backgrounds come together to play, have fun and win. And with any group of people that play for the same team. There will be some conflicts, but what is even more interesting is what the coaches say unites the team.
“ I just think that everybody wants to do good and wants to perform well and whoever you are, united sports gives you a chance to do just that and that's what I think unites everyone for the most part.” Coach Carley Murphy said.
One member of the team is seeking a career in special education. Team leader Delilah Green has been around kids with disabilities almost her whole life, so it was a no brainer to be a part of the team.
“ My whole family has done special education so like being able to be around the people that my family has been around my whole life is like really cool to me.” Delilah Green said.