Miami Youngsters Represent USA in China

Youngsters from the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center (MAR JCC) in Miami will represent the United States at the sixth annual NFL Flag Football World Championship (FFWC) in Beijing from August 16 – 20. The NFL is proud to partner with Motorola, Reebok, EA and Gatorade and promote this prestigious tournament, which motivates boys and girls to participate in a fun and safe sport.

Teams of 12 to 14-year-olds from 10 nations and three continents will compete for the title of world champions, which is currently held by the Florida team from North Miami Beach. The MAR JCC won the 2004 event in Vancouver, Canada last summer, defeating Mexico in the final.

“It is an honor to again represent our country, especially in such a spectacular setting,” said head coach David Fried, whose Team USA will leave for Beijing on August 10. “I teach dedication, hard work, sportsmanship and teamwork, which has helped make this team successful.”

The Miami team will prepare for the FFWC at a series of practices and will also visit Miami Dolphins training camp on Saturday, August 6 and throw the first pitch at a Florida Marlins game on Tuesday, August 9 as part of the NFL activities.

In China, once the teams have enjoyed a day of sightseeing, the tournament will kick off on Thursday, August 18. USA will compete with teams from Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Spain, and Thailand for the world crown at the Dong Dan Sports Complex, situated half a mile from Tiananmen Square, in Beijing.

The competition will be spread over three consecutive days; a round robin format is played by two groups of five teams to determine the four semi finalists and ultimately the two teams that will play for the world title.

“Since introducing flag football in China nearly two years ago, there has been an enthusiastic response from youth and school administrators to the sport,” said NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. “The selection of Beijing as host of this important international youth event underscores this enthusiasm and will serve as a bridge between cultures from 10 different nations.”

Making his second appearance in a world championship tournament for Team USA is the sole returning player from the triumphant MAR JCC team that won in Vancouver, wide receiver Alex Ciklik. The team’s defensive standout is Evan Grabois, who witnessed the event from the sidelines in 2004 and is excited to now step on the field and contribute.

“It was fantastic to watch the tournament last year and to actually now be playing myself is a dream come true,” said the 14-year-old. “My brother was part of that winning team and I hope to match his success and again bring home gold for the United States.”

More than 1,500 youngsters from 16 countries competed in national competitions for the right to represent their country at the FFWC. Team USA was victorious at the NFL FLAG National Championship in Orlando in November.

“One of the reasons flag football remains our core grassroots initiative is because it encourages boys and girls to learn football fundamentals,” said NFL Senior Director of

Youth Football Cedric Jones. “Boys and girls are equal members of their flag football team and last year a co-ed team from Canada finished third in the championship. We are very excited to hold the World Championship in Beijing, where the NFL’s flag football program is in its infancy but is already very popular.”

Tomken Road Middle School from Ontario will represent Canada, while Mexico’s hopes rest with Las Aguilas of Monterrey. Dreams of a home victory lie with Guangzhou #41 Middle School of Guangzhou, the champion of China’s NFL Flag program. Bangmod Wittaya Middle School from Bangkok won the Thailand Final Championship, while Japan’s representative is the Rushers Football Club Junior from Tokyo. Kyung-il Middle School from Daegu will aim to bring the championship back to Korea.

European aspirations lie with the top three teams who competed among nine national teams in the NFL Flag Football European School Final at the NFL Europe League World Bowl XIII in Düsseldorf, Germany. IES Pere Vives Vich of Spain and Gymnasium Meerbusch Eagles from Germany were both in action in Vancouver at last year’s event and are joined by Liceo Scientifico ULIVI from Parma as Italy is represented at the World Championship for the first time. Previous tournaments have been held in Toronto, Berlin, Mexico City, Tokyo and Vancouver.