Get Active Group of the Week: Central Virginia Football Association
Each week, we'll be highlighting a different Active Group from around RVA – this week's group is the Central Virginia Football Association, a flag football league with competitions for athletes of all skill levels.
By: RaShauna Hobbs
With the NFL season right around the corner, be sure to get ready for some football with this week’s Get Active Group, the Central Virginia Football Association (CVFA).
The CVFA is a flag football association that has a team and league for just about everybody. There is a co-ed division, a women’s division, and a men’s downfield blocking division for the more experienced athletes.
Brad Gamlin, the CVFA director, points to the league schedule that offers almost year-round competition as one of the highlights of participating. “Here we pretty much play all year long,” Gamlin said. “December is basically the only month we take off so we are constantly getting a good workout.”
Watching the games on Sunday mornings in Northside, it is evident that this group is competitive and brings slick cuts and crafty passes to the field. There are three games played at a time between 9:00am and 2:00pm.
There are referees out on the field to facilitate games, and the atmosphere looks and feels like an afternoon cookout or family reunion, with the laughter and friendliness of players on the field and spectators cheering on the teams. It is a warm environment and there are people of all ages watching and playing.
The skill level of the participants ranges from those that do not own cleats to previous NFL players. It is safe to say, however, that athleticism and competitiveness are the most common traits of all who take part.
Participants are guaranteed to get the most bang for their buck, and Gamlin indicates that the entry fees are one of the most attractive aspects of the league. “You get nine weeks of football for less than what you pay for one round of golf,” Gamlin said of the price.
Low entry fees are not the only value-added benefit in the league. Gamlin takes pride in keeping the participants up to date with a SportsCenter-esque highlight package on the league website that is constantly refreshed. There are photos, videos, standings and articles posted to keep every player up to speed.
If nerves and fear of contact are issues in signing up, there is no need to worry because there are divisions in this league that are completely contact free – so there are safe and fun options for everyone.
As football fans get ready to bring out the grills and jerseys to watch their NFL teams on Sundays, the best way to prepare is by getting up and playing and the CVFA is a great place for that.