As the NFL Progresses, the IWFL/NWFA are Preparing
October 8, 2008 by Lyndsey D'Arcangelo
Filed under Football, Sports Rumors
This season has been quite wild in the NFL. Unless you aren’t paying attention then you know there is no way on this planet the Patriots will come close to their performance from last year, the Chargers can’t catch a break in any form, and the Titans defense means business.
Fantasy team owners are resorting to making strange trade proposals or simply throwing their hands in the air (myself included). While the country is focused on the antics of the NFL, a group of very dedicated athletes are preparing for their own season. Full-contact, women’s football. Yes, same rules as the NFL. These women are not standing on the sideline doing their nails and hair. There are pads, tackles, and injuries. It is the same football you have come to know and love. The main difference? The athletes play for the pure love of the game. There are no inflated salaries and no fat endorsements — only raw talent, emotion, and passion.
The IWFL (Independent Women’s Football League) is a non-profit league setup with teams around the United States. Here in Southern California, we have several teams including the Southern California Breakers. I’ve had the honor of covering their home season last year and interviewed several of their players. These are some of the most inspirational athletes you’ll find anywhere.
Check out my conversations with a lineman, a running back, and a utility player for the team.
The NWFA (National Women’s Football Association) has a different business model but is also nationwide. Both leagues are covered extensively on the Women’s Football Talk blog and radio show. Now is the time to get involved and get in shape for the season. After the Super Bowl is over in January rosters begin to be finalized, schedules are made, and teams have high hopes for their year.
Check one of the sites for a team near you. There are many more than you realize and the games are a blast to watch. I’ve heard many fans leave games saying that they didn’t realize just how much action these games had and what a great time they had.
This post was written by Apryl DeLancey, author of the blog:
Women Like Sports
Thank you for having me! Your blog rocks!
I became aware of the IWFL and NWFA a couple months ago, and the more I learn, the more curious I am. There’s only one team in my area, the Oakland Banshees. I believe I’ll be going to the games this season to check it out. I wanna see this.