Courtesy photo.
CENTRAL COAST — Four flag football teams from the Montecito, Santa Barbara, Stuart C. Gildred (Santa Ynez) and Ventura branches of the Channel Islands YMCA competed in their Bowl Games on Nov. 12 at the Carpinteria High School football field. A total of 16 teams participated in the final tournament.
Teams are co-ed and are part of the NFL FLAG Powered by USA Football program, which provides children ages 5-17 with opportunities to enjoy one of America’s beloved sports. The non-contact action allows players to learn the fundamentals of football while also providing lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship.
“We enjoy being a part of the NFL FLAG program because, like the Y, the program emphasizes the success and improvement of each team member rather than winning,” said Coach Carlos Topete. “The leagues offer competition to challenge every child’s ability and focus on fair play and teamwork.”
To learn about how to participate in upcoming sports and recreational programs, please contact Vinny Savelich at 805.642.2131 ext. 13, or visit ciymca.org/ventura.
About the Channel Islands YMCA: Established in 1887, the Channel Islands YMCA is a charitable organization of seven YMCA branches serving Santa Barbara and Ventura counties including: Camarillo Family YMCA, Lompoc Family YMCA, Montecito Family YMCA, Santa Barbara Family YMCA, Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA in Santa Ynez, Ventura Family YMCA, and Youth and Family Services YMCA which operates Noah’s Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter, the St. George Family Youth Center and My Home.
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Channel Islands YMCA serves over 46,000 individuals and provides over $1.3 million in financial assistance to families in need for child care, YMCA memberships, away and day camps, youth sports, and teen after-school programs. For more information at the Ventura Family YMCA, visit http://www.ciymca.org/ventura or call (805) 642-2131.