Key West The Newspaper

Women and girls from around the United States and the world will gather in Key West for the hard-fought, sporting action for the Kelly McGillis Classic International Women and Girls’ Flag Football Championship, set for the full week of Monday, Jan. 25.

According to Diane Beruldsen, president and founder of the sponsoring International Women’s Flag Football Association, more than 60 teams from North America, Latin America and Europe have been invited to join McGillis in the island city for the special 25th annual championship. The sporting challenge is named for and endorsed by the critically acclaimed actress and former Key West resident who starred in “Top Gun” and “Witness,” among other films.

“This event showcases the different styles of female flag football from around the world and highlights the best of the best as well as welcomes beginners playing for the first time. Every female is welcome to compete in this great event,” said Beruldsen. There have been championship teams from the US and, among others, Canada, Finland, Norway, Mexico, Panama, Denmark and Scotland.

The success of the event is attributed to international travels by the sanctioning body, IWFFA, which sends recruiting coaches around the world promoting and uniting female flag football teams and leagues. In 1997 the IWFFA introduced the sport in Scandinavia and recently has expanded to Latin America. In September 2015, the organization started the very first women’s flag football team in Cuba. NFL Films Inc. filmed the event, which can be seen on You Tube channel: IWFFA.

During the Key West championship, flag football teams are to compete in divisions based on age and skill. After three days team building, flag football training, officiating clinics and getting to know the island, the tournament’s opening ceremonies are set for 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at the Rum Barrel, 528 Front St. McGillis will address the teams at their official registration and participate in the week’s main social events.

Registration is Thursday the 28th at the Bourbon Street complex, at 724 Duval St., 7:30 p.m. till 11 p.m. Games are to begin at 9 a.m. Friday, January 29, and continue through Sunday’s final play offs and championships. All games are to take place at Key West’s Wickers Sports Complex, located on Kennedy Drive and 14th off Flagler Ave. There is no admission fee.

For more details email [email protected] or phone Beruldsen at (305) 896-8678.