The NY Giants Help Kickoff Year Five of Flag Football in Section One

Please see photos at end of article and please share article link with players and parents

When Somers hosted the first annual Flag Football Kickoff Event, there were eight teams in attendance. Five year later, the number has jumped to 40, and the sky is the limit, according to an actual Super Bowl Champ.

“This sport can take you to places that you could never imagine,” said Brandon London of the 2007 World Champion NY Giants.

Addressing the gathering, the former wide receiver assured that the heights are a two way street. With the sport exploding on colleges and an Olympic recognition on the way, he said. “You are in charge of the culture and the future of football.”

The present too, the cold, nasty, windy day had Jonathan Casillas reveling in the football weather. “Do you feel it,” he roared, and the enthusiastic agreement had the former Giant praising the energy of the athletes.

So when he acknowledged that flag football is on pace to become the number one sport in the world, the linebacker played cheerleader to the dedicated girls. “You are the pioneers,” he boasted.

One of those is Julia Schmidberger, and her coaching presence stated that she had no intention of fading into the past. “I’m here to support the next generation because Katie (DiChiaro) supported me and built me up,” said The College of Staten Island soccer and football player and 2025 alum from Somers.

There, the boys may have cornered the market on the sport, but Nicole Galletti doesn’t see that lasting forever. “We’re getting there,” said the Tusker running back.

In the backfield with her, Natalie D'Ippolito puts the foot in football too. “I like getting the ball and juking people out,” said the sophomore.

Her first year coach was just as proud to help build the sport and take part. “We have 12 stations, do different drills and skills in all facets of the game,” said Vinny DiFilippo.

Emma Emerson was one of the beneficiaries. “You block for the quarterback, so she can get a good angle to pass and run the ball,” said the Mahopac tight end.

She’s not the only one thinking bigger than herself either. “We connect, everyone works together,” said Mahopac sophomore Abby Spedaliere. “That’s what it takes to win.”

Kenzie Meola has the same thing in mind for her Yorktown Huskers. “We’re solid and have the tools to win the league and the sectionals,” she said.

The cornerback doesn't mind going solo, though. “I like pic sixes,” she said, and four for her career ain’t bad.

On the other hand, she took pride in the sport's growth and the synergy of everyone involved. “At the end of the day, we’re all trying to be the best we can,” Meola said.

Natalia Soto of Panas included, she likes the speedy, agility needed to succeed at running back, but the two way player prefers defense. “I love how you try to break down a player and get to the ball,” said the senior.

The Panther gritted her teeth and dug in her heels for the organizer too. “I think Katie DiChiaro is amazing. She has really raised the awareness for our sport,” extolled Soto.

Of course, the Somers assistant coach deflected credit elsewhere. “The support from the Giants and its players helps legitimize the sport,” DiChiaro clarified.

Even more important, the time given provides a voice for girls overall. “With big names showing they care about girls' sports, we get a platform that helps spread the message,” Schmidberger concluded.

Click the image for flag football photos and please post and share article link. Thank you