Women Play Football Too

2/1/2013 (Updated 6:58:09 PM)

Local semi-pro football players are teaching Johnson City pre-k kids that football is not just for grown men.

"Football is out there, women love football, and now it's their opportunity to play football," said Jennifer Weeks, Manager of the Binghamton Womens' Football Team.

The group teaches the youngsters how to stretch and warm up, dress safely for the sport, and do basic football drills to work on agility and endurance. 

"It teaches you a lot of teamwork, leadership. I think it teaches you a lot of confidence, especially in women," said Christy Lancz.

Members of Binghamton's Tiger Cats women's football team say people are usually surprised to hear they play the sport.

"Are you kidding, you're playing football, you're going to get hurt. Why would you want to do that?  But there are a lot of reasons why we want to do that," said Christy Lancz, a player on the team.

And local men say they are in support of diversifying the sport.

"Anybody can play football you don't have to be male or female,"

Johnson City kids can join a tackle league next year when they turn five. And although there are only a few girls in the league, educators say they hope that changes.

"Our motto on the football team is empowering women, one yard at a time," said Lancz.

And the girls say they are feeling confident.

"We're better than the boys," said Faith, a pre-k student.