‘It’s bigger than sports’: Duo launches spring flag football league

After years of involvement with Dartmouth Youth Football League, watching their kids grow up in the sport, best friends Joey Moniz and Sam Blevines are starting up a league of their own this spring. 

“We had a vision and it’s becoming a reality right now,” Moniz said. 

Southcoast Bulls is an NFL co-ed flag football league, which will run its very first session beginning March 30 and ending on June 25. The league teams will meet on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Harry Reynolds Park, located at 443 Old Fall River Road. There will be eight regular season games and two weeks of playoffs.

About four years ago, Moniz and Blevines kicked off a “mini” version of the program where the two began honing in teaching kids “DEA” — controlling the uncontrollable — which are their discipline, effort and attitude on and off the field.

They said they want to take advantage of the natural mentorship opportunities that come with sports. “Seeing the kids walk off the field with a smile and happy, watching them grow and develop over the years” — that’s what keeps him satisfied with his work, Moniz said. 

“It’s bigger than sports. It’s bigger than football,” he added, highlighting how he can always tell when someone was a former athlete because it shows through their work ethic. 

The duo hope to see 150 kids sign up this spring and will be looking for 16 to 20 coaches and six to eight referees to accommodate the anticipated four teams per division.

Blevines said they will be working with the Dartmouth High School football team to see if any of their students might be interested in volunteering. 

“This is a good entry point for people who are considering tackle football,” Blevines noted, highlighting the increased interest in flag football, which he partially credits to the addition of the sport in the Olympics.

Those who join the league will get NFL branded jerseys and matching league shorts as well as NFL /Toyota flags. All other flags are prohibited. 

Questions can be directed to southcoastbullsflagfootball@gmail.com

Register at leagues.bluesombrero.com/mbsports