Flag football is gaining momentum in Kingsport, with J. Fred Johnson Stadium witnessing the city's first NFL FLAG football season kickoff. The move ushers Kingsport into a prominent national youth sports program that boasts over 750,000 young athletes nationwide, as reported by the City of Kingsport website.
The energy was infectious as former Dobyns-Bennett High School Football Coach Graham Clark took to the field to ignite enthusiasm in young players and stress the value of sports, community, and the outdoors. Meanwhile, Milligan University's flag football talents—coach Ryan Whitten and players Blakelee Ollis, Ashton Whearley, and Christian Davis—offered an up-close and personal brush with advanced play, demonstrating skills and sharing insights Chassy Smiley, Recreation Superintendent for Kingsport Parks and Recreation described the collaborative effort as a means to instill teamwork and mentorship within the community, with a side of local pride.
Youth games are scheduled throughout the week at Lynn View Community Center and the Kingsport Boys and Girls Club; fans of all ages are welcome to watch the 5-12-year-olds in action. Playing times for the younger division are set for 6 PM and 7 PM, while the older division has an 8 PM slot to showcase their burgeoning talents.
