SOUTH MIAMI YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE OPENS INAUGURAL SEASON
On Friday night May 15,2009 an exciting, new youth flag football league opened up play at
Palmer Park in South Miami. Different from other leagues, the South Miami Youth Flag Football
League (SMYFFL) is proud member of the NFL program and all teams wear flag football
designed NFL team jerseys.
Mites (5-6 year old) Carolina Panthers
Opening night ceremonies included appearances by UM Hurricanes Coach Tim “Ice” Harris, a
local legend, and players Demarcus Van Dyke, Brandon Harris, and Chaves Grant, followed by a
full schedule of 10 games with 22 of the 23 teams in action.
UM Hurricane players greeting the SMYFFL players
SMYFFL, a NFL FLAG Football program focuses on players having fun while learning
teamwork and the rudimentary elements of football in a non- contact, non-competitive
environment.
Stuart McGregor and Omar Diaz, both with experience in youth sports, together with a program
operated in association with the National Football League, have started the new league.
Launched in 1996, the NFL FLAG Football program is designed to educate young people about
football while emphasizing participation and sportsmanship. Players learn skills and lessons that
help them succeed both on and off the field. The program provides young players a fun and
exciting opportunity to engage in non-contact, continuous action while learning lessons in
teamwork. Flag Football is a fun game of quickness and agility with minimal physical contact
that is quickly challenging other youth sports as an alternative for the recent cuts in physical
education in our school systems.
Stu McGregor, a former practicing attorney, served as Commissioner of the SMYBL since 2002
and operated Frozen Ropes, a well-known indoor baseball-training center, for many years.
“Winning and losing is something every young player should experience but winning is not
The end-all of what sports are all about,” said McGregor. “Our league is unique in that our
mission statement is aimed at learning football skills and having fun. With the decline of
physical opportunities in our school systems there is a need to make sure our young children get
the physical activity to develop healthy strong bodies. “
Omar Diaz and Stu McGregor, founders and Managing Directors of the SMYFFL,
With UM Hurricanes starting defensive backs
Omar Diaz is well known in youth sports throughout Miami. He has been a Head Coach for the
following organizations: Kendall Boy’s & Girl’s Club, SMYBL and Coral Gables Panthers. He
is presently serving as the Commissioner and VP of the South Miami Youth Baseball League
where he has coached for over 5 years.
Omar Diaz with Coach Harris who coached Omar at Miami Sr. High School
The league uses experienced officials and the boys and girls wear reversible NFL designed team
jerseys and belts, which they get to keep at the end of the season together with a trophy and
official NFL certificate.
Games are scheduled Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to Noon.
The spring season will run to July 1st followed by a 16 game fall season starting in September.
The league maintains a website at www.smyffootball.com
South Miami Youth Flag Football League
P.O. Box 558633
Miami, FL 33255
CONTACT:
Stu McGregor
Contact: Omar Diaz
305-665-9572
Phone : 786-514-8256
[email protected] or [email protected]
[email protected]