Jock

There are many reasons to love fall in Philadelphia this season: Phillies Phever, apple picking at Linvilla Orchards, the new men’s collection at Boyd’s. And now there’s Saturday morning flag football with the gay men and women of the Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League (GPFFL). The GPFFL is in its inaugural season after less than two years of popular pick-up play at Columbus Park in South Philly (Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

What sets the GPFFL apart from other leagues (aside from the sheer number of LGBT players) is the rotating schedule. The teams rotate every spring and fall so that players get a chance to make new friends. Captains also pick their teams in a private draft so there are no flashbacks to third grade gym class and the dread of being picked last.

This year, players kicked off the fall season with a “Meet Your Team Party” at sponsor bar Tavern on Camac where they not only lifted a few with teammates, but they also chose team names based on captain’s color choices. This season’s team names teeter between pop culture and spoonerism with Shady Pines, Black Hole, Royal Pain and Oxy Maroons.

Even if you’ve never tossed the old pig skin around in your backyard like a Kennedy, all skill levels are welcome to play in the league…and so are total beginners. Just as many of the players this year have a soft spot for Glee as they do scoring great seats at the Linc.

If you’re interested in learning more about the league or coming out to watch the teams play, visit GPFFL or add Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League to your Facebook groups. There’s still time to get in the game.

Wayne Knaub is an active member of GPFFL and other athletic clubs in Philadelphia. He regularly attends JOCKS on Friday night at Tabu.