Are you ready for some (flag) football?

By Patricia A. Woodbury

Special to the Citizen

Believe it or not it is time to get ready for fall football.  Registration is now open for all boys and girls from kindergarten through 6th grade, in the southwestern area of Marion County and Ocala, for Upward Flag Football or Cheerleading.

A form and registration fee may be dropped off at the church office anytime now between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The cost is $65 for football and includes a jersey, belt and flags, car magnet and end-of-season award. Cheerleading costs $65 and includes a uniform, megaphone, poms, hair ribbon, car magnet and end-of-season reward.  Football shirts and Cheerleading turtle necks are optional. Cleats are recommended. Scholarships are available.

One-hour weekly practices begin Tuesday, Sept. 6 and the first game is Saturday, Sept. 17 at Joy Lutheran Church Hope Field. Every participant must attend one evaluation/orientation session between Aug. 31 and Sept. 3.

Upward is a nondenominational Christian sports ministry which provides a positive sports experience for every child. So come on out and join the fun. Volunteers are needed to help coach, referee, assist, time keep and work with the participants in either football or cheerleading.

For more information contact Pastor Ed Holloway, 352-854-4509 ext. 223. Joy Lutheran Church is at 7045 S.W. 83rd Place at State Road 200, Ocala.