Women's Sports

Editor's note: Today's post comes to us courtesy of Apryl DeLancey. Apryl produces the Women Like Sports blog, which is founded on the idea that some women just plain like sports, all kinds of sports, both as spectators and participants. There, you will find her covering about every sport imaginable, including women's tackle football, the topic she writes about for us here. We're grateful to have Apryl as a contributor to the Athletic Women Blog.—RM

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One of the most exciting reporting subjects to cover for me has been the Southern California Breakers football team. Part of the Independent Women’s Football League, this team has everything that is exciting about professional football. Being on the sidelines for each home game was so exciting that I look forward to next year with an eager anticipation. At times the game would mesmerize me so that I would nearly forget to keep tabs on what was happening so that I could later report it.

I first met the team before the season started during a practice. It was a Saturday, and the women would train from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. This is the case every Saturday in the off-season. Other than about an hour of discussion and other break periods, this was all activity. In addition, they practice every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm both during the season and in addition to the Saturdays in the off-season. All of this is in addition to personal training regimes and full-time careers. Come game day, everyone is ready to play.

Not only are the Breakers exceptional athletes, but they have equally formidable opponents. The California Quake and Las Vegas Showgirlz are two tough teams that they’ve gone up against this year. No one is standing around doing their hair and nails, they’re playing ball as hard as any pro teams. In addition, each player is there to pick up her teammates when they are down. If someone misses a tackle or fumbles the ball there is no trash talking or belittling. These women encourage each other and work together to win and lose as a team. No one shares the loss alone and they all bask in victories together. I’ve witnessed the true example of "sportswomanship" while watching them play. Many know players on the other teams as well and the overall attitude is that of camaraderie and promoting the sport.

Although the season is coming to an end, there are IWFL teams all over the United States. I encourage you to check them out and support this growing sport. Every fan comes away from the game with a newfound appreciation for the sport of football and the remarkable women that participate. Interested in playing? Check out your local team and try out – they’re always looking for new talent. Every woman that I’ve spoken to about playing has told me that the experience has enriched their lives immensely.


Photos courtesy of Eddie Perlas