BY GENE NARDI
On Saturday, Aug. 1, the Western Communities Football League (WCFL) conducted its annual combine for the coming season. The combine gives players the opportunity to display their skills to coaches in an effort to be selected in the draft to complete team rosters.
More than 550 kids registered for this fall’s season, which is consistent with last year’s numbers, according to WCFL President Nick Iannone, who is in his third year overseeing the league.
Players who did not make the combine will be entered into a draw to be selected for teams. New players moving to the area from out of town are also eligible to be selected for a team under the same auspices.
The WCFL has a total of five divisions, Ultimate through High School Prep, that span from ages 6 to 14. The High School Prep division will start two weeks later due to high school football starting around the same time, to determine how many teams the league will be able to muster for that division.
The WCFL draws athletes from the western communities, in addition to the surrounding areas of central Palm Beach County.
“We’re a premier program,” Iannone said. “We have top-rated officials, announcers and music at every game, and medics at every practice and game day.”
The league is special to the community; one that can boast many alumni who have made the transition to high school and stepped into the arena of collegiate football.
The WCFL also provides a cheerleading program, which participates every Saturday during the season. Flag football joins the ranks as well. In the off-season, the WCFL coordinates flag football leagues to keep players active.
The league will continue to use Wellington’s Village Park as its home field. The park showcases some of the best facilities in the county. The fields are packed with parents, cheerleaders and fans every game day.
One of the most impressive aspects of the league is that it is a member of the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance, which is known for promoting the concept of all kids receiving an opportunity to play, while maintaining a competitive atmosphere. Fundraisers are also a part of the OBYFA throughout the year.
The league also maintains Heads-Up Football certification. Initiated by USA Football, the program is one of the most comprehensive developed to advance player safety for the game. The WCFL, year after year, emphasizes that.
The first practice starts Monday, Aug. 10 with the season kicking off Saturday, Aug. 22. For more information about the WCFL, visit www.wcflfootballcheer.com.
ABOVE: Ten-year-old Wolali Ahlijah of Wellington gets into a three-point stance to prepare to hit the pads during the Varsity Division combine.
