Valley Breeze

32 sports & Recreation SEPTEMBER 12-18, 2013 | valley breeze | cumberland lincoln edition Velocity softball plans tryouts John Bouffard, of the Cowboys, races to the sideline for a gain during his team's Cumberland Youth Flag Football League game Sunday valley breeze photos by paul r. dubois against the Bengals at Diamond Hill Park. Trailing on the play is Sam Beverly Wootton has been president of the expanding Cumberland Pellegrini. Youth Flag Football league since its inception nine seasons ago. FLAG From Page 25 Bill Jackson and board member Darlene Wood began turning away applicants for the Colts flag football program. They wanted the kids to have a place to play. So they turned to Wootton, who agreed to head up the effort to let children between the ages of 6 and 8 play flag football on Sundays at Diamond Hill Park. "There were about 40 children participating that first year, and everyone seemed to be having a good time," said Wootton. "There was an inter- est by older kids, and so we kept expanding to accommodate them." Today, the program extends to age 14 and there are more than 230 Cumberland youngsters participating, with several more on a waiting list. "There are some kids here who just like to play and have fun, and some who love football, but don't want the commitment of having to practice every single day," said Wootton. "We have one, onehour practice and one game each week for everyone." And it's affordable, she said, pointing out that it costs only $40 to register. The program plays a nine- week schedule, with the first reserved for a skills and drills program, followed by eight weeks of play. On the final week, playoffs are held, and awards presented. The CYFFL also sponsors the town's annual Pass Punt and Kick competition under the direction of Wood. Kent coached in the program's first seven years, primarily because his son, Harrison, was getting involved. So was Harrison's best friend and former neighbor, Sean Christy. "It was great playing for Mr. Kent because he was always a fun coach and we always had a good team," said Christy. "We all definitely miss him." Christy, like other league graduates, have remained with the program and are now junior coaches, helping the younger children who play. While Kent, who also had two daughters, Tori and Cumberland High School all-state swimming sensation Courtney Kent, was known for his mild manner, he had a competitive side. "He had this playbook, and the big joke around the league was to try to get a look at it," said Wootton. "Mike used to keep that thing close to the vest so no one would see what plays his team was going to run. 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(at The Zen Center), Cumberland, RI NORTH PROVIDENCE – During the past few years, the North Providence Fastpitch Softball League has developed the Velocity Travel Division for 8-U, 10-U, and 12-U players and is now looking to expand travel teams to include a 14-U team in 2014. The Velocity program has won several tournaments over the past few years and plans to continue that string of success in 2014. These teams compete at the highest levels in state and regional competition. Velocity teams participate in spring, summer and fall leagues in addition to playing in several tournaments. It also offers a winter training program. Travel team players are required to play in the North Providence Girls Fastpitch Softball League during the recreational season. Velocity has scheduled tryouts for the travel program on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Olney Field. Tryouts will be at 11 a.m. for the 10-U program; 12:30 p.m. for the 12-U program and at 2 p.m. for the new 14-U program. Anyone interested in trying out may contact Kevin at door49@verizon.net for more details. Tryouts are open to players from all communities. Individuals interested in coaching the 14-U team are also welcome. Adult volleyball being offered in Cumberland CUMBERLAND – The Recreation Department is sponsoring its annual adult volleyball program beginning next week. The informal program, where teams are selected weekly, takes place from Sept. 13 through Dec. 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Cumberland Transitional School gymnasium. Cost is $30 for town residents and $35 for non-residents and registration can be completed at the Recreation Department, 4097 Diamond Hill Road, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call the department at 401-3349996. Cumberland JDL plans tryouts CUMBERLAND – Officials of the Cumberland Youth Hockey League have announced tryouts for their junior development league. The program begins on Oct. 1 and ends in March. The program is for Cumberland residents in grades 6, 7 and 8, and candidates must attend tryouts on either Tuesday, Sept. 24, or Thursday, Sept. 26 from 5-6 p.m. at the Smithfield Municipal Ice Rink. For more information, email edsterlaw1@cox.net or call 401-965-9330.

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