CIFL Signs Erie Explosion

Speculation was put to rest yesterday afternoon as the Erie Explosion announced they had signed with the CIFL for the 2013 season. With multiple leagues vying for the opportunity to sign Erie, owner Bill Stafford weighed out each of his options before making his selection.
"After the past season, four different leagues approached us, knowing that they liked what we did and what (coach Shawn Liotta) was doing and results our players had,'' said Stafford. "We spent two and a half months listening to presentations and eliminating some things, and the Continental (Indoor Football) League is a very good fit."
Jim O'Brien, Co-Owner of the CIFL, was present for the announcement and spoke to the media about the future of the CIFL. "The CIFL is a better place today by having the Explosion become a part of it," said O'Brien, "We intend to make the CIFL stronger with each and every decision we make."
Erie fits the profile that O'Brien and his partners former NFL defensive back Stuart Schweigert and Michigan-based business owner Robert Licht set out to acquire this offseason. With nine players from this past season having ties to the Explosion now playing in the AFL or CFL, this business model is what the CIFL strives to accomplish across each of their markets.
"Our goal since day one has been to help players advance to the next level," said Schweigert (who will be returning to the UFL this fall), "Erie does a great job of that and we will look to echo that throughout the entire CIFL."
The CIFL will begin play in early February, a schedule is set to be announced in October.

Cedar Rapids Titans to Give Back During Grand Opening Weekend

The Cedar Rapids Titans announced details today about the grand opening celebration for the Eastern Iowa Sports Complex, the Hiawatha multi purpose sports complex the team announced earlier this month. The grand opening weekend will be in conjunction with the Titans 2nd annual coat drive. For the 2nd straight year the team will be partnering with the Salvation Army of Cedar Rapids to collect coats for families in need for the upcoming fall and winter. The coat drive/grand opening weekend will take place Friday, September 7th to Sunday, September 9th at the Eastern Iowa Sports Complex located at 1100 N 18th Avenue in Hiawatha. The drive will begin at 7:30am on Friday and continue throughout the weekend until 6:00pm on Sunday.
Grand opening celebration events will take place throughout the weekend including free mini golf for anyone making a donation on Friday at Titans mini golf. A teen dance presented by I107.1 for youth ages 14-19 will take place Friday evening beginning at 8pm. Admission is $3 with a Facebook RSVP and $5 at the door.
On Saturday an Iowa/Iowa State post game party will be held for all ages presented by Fleck Sales. The party will feature food & drink specials and live music throughout the night. Torchlight Parade takes the Miller Lite stage at 6pm with Greenbrier performing at 8pm. The fun kicks off at 5pm with giveaways throughout the night.
The grand opening weekend concludes Sunday from 11am-6pm with the 104.5 KDAT Family Day. Activities for the entire family will be on hand including inflatable's, games, facepainting, and live entertainment including a performance by the Titan Dolls. Food & beverages will also be available. Titans players will be on hand to sign autographs throughout the day.
New or lightly used coats of any size and style will be accepted. Coats collected will be donated and distributed by the Salvation Army. The team will have a convenient drive-up service for those dropping off coats.
"We could not be more excited about this year's coat drive," said Chris Kokalis, Titans & Eastern Iowa Sports Complex co-owner and general manager. "We exceeded our goal last year collecting over 250 coats and this year are shooting for 400. We are also excited about showcasing our community based facility and celebrating the kickoff of the football season."
Titans Mini Golf will be open all weekend long throughout the event. All events are open to the public.
Local businesses are also encouraged to participate and the Titans will have someone come to that business to collect the coats the day of the coat drive. To have your business participate or for more information about the event call the Titans office at 319-730-6301 or visit www.cedarrapidstitans.com.

Oklahoma Defenders Join the CPIFL

The Defenders announced Wednesday at a press conference at the Courtyard by Marriott that they will be joining a new league for the 2013 season, the Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL). The Defenders join a number of well-respected, battle-tested, indoor football franchises including confirmed CPIFL teams the Wichita Wild, Sioux City Bandits, Mid-Missouri Outlaws, and a new franchise in Kansas City. Additional teams are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Commissioner James Bain explained the CPIFL relationships with sponsors and with fans doesn't end with one interaction but in the CPIFL there will be a focus on building long-term relationships that will enhance each team's community. Owner Lamar Baker stated, "After last season, we knew the Defenders would require a league with dedicated, structured leadership. We are excited about joining the CPIFL and believe it will benefit Tulsa and the Defenders by ensuring highly-competitive games are played week in and week out. We feel our philosophy of community enhancement directly parallel's the CPIFL's and are ready to start our road to the championship."
The CPIFL has developed a league structure that is ran by an executive committee comprised of team owners, which is overseen by Commissioner Bain. The league is dedicated to being a fan-friendly league with a focus on "heart of the Midwest" teams that will make it easier for fans to travel to away games to support their teams. The league also has a 125-mile rule which requires 20 of the 25-man roster to live within a 125-mile radius of their home arena.
The Defenders also announced the 2013 season will be played at the Tulsa Convention Center with season ticket sales slated to start in October. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was also held to celebrate the Defenders joining the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce.

The Arena Football League Working On Expansion Into China, With A League By '14

A group fronted by ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski was in Beijing on Monday to announce that the Arena Football League is working on building a foothold in China.
"We're coming to a country that doesn't know much about what American football is, but it's a country that loves sports," Jaworski said. "They will pick up on football very quickly. I watched the Olympics, and watched those weightlifters and I think, I'd like to have some of those guys on my offensive line."
The group will stage a series of exhibitions next fall, then launch what it hopes will be a six-team, 10-game schedule in October 2014. Games will be held in the fall and winter to allow AFL coaches and trainers the freedom to come to China during their offseason and teach their Chinese counterparts how to build teams on their own.
The league will begin as a mix of Chinese and American players, with the goal of converting to all-Chinese rosters as quickly as possible.
"Our goal is in China, for China," said Marty Judge, a co-owner of the AFL's Philadelphia Soul along with Jaworski. "The NFL went in to Europe and it failed because you need to have (a country's own) players on the teams."
Former NFL coach Dick Vermeil is also backing the project, which has been two years in the making.
Jaworski said he's confident China will latch on to the game.
"There are plenty of Americans who don't understand football, but they still go to the games," he said.

LFL Names Nadia Bedricky As Sideline Reporter For LFL, Saturday Night Football In HD

Lingerie Football League’s upcoming season of LFL Canada and LFL, Saturday Night Football in HD are slated to be most widely distributed series of worldwide broadcasts in league history. LFL, Saturday Night Football in HD will include a new face joining the broadcast team, Arena Football League sideline reporter and former Chicago Bliss player, Nadia Bedricky.
Bedricky will join play-by-play commentator Van Earl Wright formerly of FOX Sports and former Florida Gator quarterback Bobby Hewko who will provide color. “Nadia has been part of the LFL family for the past few years and understands our game from a player’s perspective, that coupled with her on-air talent, made for any easy decision. We hope to develop her as one of the faces of LFL Football for many years to come”, said, Mitchell S. Mortaza, Executive Producer, LFL, Saturday Night Football.
League officials are expected to groom Bedricky, Wright and Hewko as potentially the A crew while developing another broadcast group for ancillary games and global league play in 2013.
“I could not be more thrilled about continuing my career within the LFL family. My focus will be to provide insight and access to our now global audience about this rapidly growing sport”, said, Bedricky.
Bedricky is also expected to join the LFL360 team providing coverage of the biggest names and stories from around the LFL. Bedricky’s coverage will include her own LFL blog and video series titled ‘LFL Access with Nadia’ taking fans inside the world of the LFL including GameDay access.

Tampa Bay Storm Honored By Tampa Police Department

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Storm were awarded the Chief’s Certificate of Appreciation by the Tampa Police Department on Tuesday, August 14 for hosting the third annual Dodgeball For a Cause Tournament in July prior to a Tampa Bay Storm football game at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment partnered with the Lightning Foundation to hold the annual dodge ball tournament on July 14 and drew in more than 500 participants for the event. The tournament raised more than $12,000 for the Tampa Police Athletic League. Over the three year span of this event, nearly $50,000 has been directed to law enforcement charities and benevolent associations. The Tampa Police Athletic League is in the midst of a $4-million capital campaign with the cornerstone project being a new gymnasium and equipment to serve their approximately 500 youth.
The Lightning are committed to leading by example and inspiring others to give in all sorts of ways. They contributed through the Community Heroes program, as well as the C.H.A.R.G.E. volunteer program, $2.5 million in cash awards and more than 4,000 volunteer hours, respectively, during the 2011-12 season.
To learn more about the Tampa Police Athletic League please visit www.paltampa.org.

Wichita Wild Set to Join CPIFL

The Wichita Wild announced yesterday the the team will be playing in the Champions Professional Indoor Football League for the 2013 season. The CPIFL has been built to establish itself as the premier indoor football league in the Midwest. This new league allows Wichita the opportunity to kindle old rivalries with franchises in Tulsa, Kansas City, and Sioux City.
John Blazek, General Manager of the Wichita Wild is very excited about the opportunity to join the new league. "The CPIFL is a great fan friendly league and for the first time in franchise history gives our fans the opportunity to travel to most of our away games." The CPIFL will have teams in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Iowa.
Coach Morris Lolar looks to continue building the team not just on the field but in the community as well. "We're happy to get a chance to play closer to home. I feel this is a very sound move to help strengthen our fan base, and allow local talent to be developed." Lolar finished the 2012 season at 9-7 leading the Wild deep into postseason play.
The Wichita Wild organization was founded by owner Wink Hartman in 2007, playing their first season as an independent team. In 2008, the Wild joined the United Indoor Football league which would later merge with the Intense Football League to create the Indoor Football League. In just its sixth year in existence, the Wichita Wild has become the most winning indoor football franchise in Wichita's history.
The CPIFL has reunited many Midwest rivalries to indoor football that have been split by other leagues. This move will create more regional exposure for the Wild as they continue to build their fan base. The Wild organization looks forward to showcasing all the action and excitement of the CPIFL for football fans in Hartman arena next spring.

Ultimate Indoor Football League adds Sarasota team

The Ultimate Indoor Football League added the Sarasota Thunder at its third expansion team for the 2013 season.
The Thunder will play 7 home games at Robarts Arena in Sarasota, FL.
The Thunder join the Missouri Monsters (St. Charles, MO), and Indianapolis Panthers (Indianapolis, IN) as expansion teams for the 2013 season.  The UIFL will be announcing the final expansion teams over the next 60 days.

CPIFL Approves Commissioner and Executive Board

The Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL) owners have officially announced the league’s Commissioner and Executive Board.  The league voted unanimously to appoint James Bain, as Commissioner. Bain accepted and immediately began his duties. The vote took place Saturday, August 11th.  
“I am certainly humbled that the league Board of Directors has confidence in my abilities.  We have a great group of owners that really understand the business side of the game.  I hope my background and experience can be asset to the operation of the league and the teams”, said Bain upon his appointment.
Bain started as an intern with the Sioux Falls Storm in 2006.  He then served as Director of Media and Public Relations for the Storm for two years.  Bain left the Storm in the fall of 2008 and accepted the position of Assistant General Manager of the Wichita Wild.  While in Wichita, the Wild set franchise records for ticket sales and sponsorship sales.  Following the 2011 season, Bain left the Wild to attend law school at the University of Kansas.
“James’ record of success in indoor football speaks for itself.  Over a period of many years, James has earned the respect of many people in indoor football and he was a natural choice for the position of Commissioner”, said Mid-Missouri (Sedalia, MO) Outlaws co-owner Ethan Henson.
The league Board of Directors also elected owners that will serve on the league’s Executive Committee.  The Executive Committee will oversee the Commissioner and set the tone and direction for the league.  Team owners elected Jeremy Ploeger from the soon to be announced Kansas City franchise, Ethan Henson from the Mid-Missouri Outlaws, and John Blazek from the Wichita Wild to the Executive Committee.  
“Having a strong Executive Committee was critical to our decision to join the CPIFL.  Having fellow owners that understand that the league needs to be run in an efficient and professional manner sets the CPIFL apart from many other leagues around the country”, said Oklahoma (Tulsa) Defenders owner Lamar Baker.

Tampa Bay Storm Organization Honored by League Office

The Arena Football League announced today the Tampa Bay Storm was awarded with the Source One Support Staff of the Year Award. The recognition includes the team's front office support as a whole, a combination of Public Relations, Operations, Player Personnel, Coaches, Management and Equipment Staff.
"This was a collective effort and demonstrates everyone's commitment at Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment to providing world class service to our fans, employees, colleagues and fellow members of the Arena Football League," said Tampa Bay Storm President Derrick Brooks.
Prior to the 2011 Arena Football League season, Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment Chairman Jeff Vinik purchased the Storm. With Tod Leiweke serving as CEO and under the direction of President Derrick Brooks, the Storm became the model Arena Football League organization.
For Tampa Bay, an original member of the Arena Football League, this is the first organizational award in the rich history and tradition of the franchise that includes a league-high five ArenaBowl Championships, the most wins by any team (207) and the all-time attendance leader (2,276,930) in AFL history.
The Arena Football League, celebrating its Silver Anniversary Season, will host AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV in New Orleans, LA. The Philadelphia Soul will take on the Arizona Rattlers on Friday, August 10 at 10:30 p.m. ET on NFL Network at the New Orleans Arena.

The LFL Australia Announces 2nd Franchise

Along with announcing a developmental league, LFL Australia announced it’s 2nd franchise as the Queensland Brigade. The franchise will join the New South Wales Surge and two to four more franchises.

San Antonio Talons Receive Commissioner's Award

The San Antonio Talons are the winners of the 2012 Commissioner’s Award, Arena Football League Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz announced today.
“The Talons displayed excellence both on and off the field,” Kurz said. “The team’s tremendous success in their inaugural season displayed why San Antonio was a perfect market for the fast-paced game of Arena Football. With just one-year in the League, they are already highly recognized in the San Antonio community.”
The Talons, led by legendary quarterback Aaron Garcia, finished their 2012 campaign with the best record (14-4) in the National Conference and as Central Division Champions.
“It’s more than just on the field. This is the most fan-friendly sport in the world. We stress community and our fans,” Kurz said. “The organization quickly laid down a foundation that this League prides itself on.”
Following the 2012 season, Talons Owner David Lynd announced the hiring of the long-time AFL executive Keith Recine. Recine and the Talons will focus on “community based marketing” and a commitment to providing a total sports entertainment experience for the fans in every game.
In 2011, the Pittsburgh Power received the Commissioner’s Award following their inaugural season.
The Arena Football League also honored Kurz, Jim Foster and William Niro with the 25th Anniversary Service Award. The award exemplifies the commitment of excellence to the Arena Football League over its 25 years of existence. Foster, who invented the game of Arena Football, also served as the League’s Commissioner (1997-92), an owner, president and earned Executive of the Year. Niro represented Foster in the formation of the AFL, was an original founder and served on the AFL Board of Directors (1990-2010). Niro currently represents the League in procurement and protection of AFL brand identity and trademarks. Kurz, who currently serves as the League’s Commissioner, has been involved with the game for 27 yards. He successfully resurrected the League in 2009 and continually displays his passion and devotion to the game.

Lehigh Valley Steelhawks Make Move to PIFL

Management and staff of the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks announced today at a special press conference that the team would be leaving the Indoor Football League for the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) effective immediately, and will be part of the PIFL's 2013 season. The PIFL, which completed their first season this past June, provided the Steelhawks with more regional rivalries, and new teams to compete against which fans of the Lehigh Valley have yet to see.
"This is an exciting day for us," stated Steelhawks Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Clark. "We cannot give the IFL enough praise for allowing us to be part of that great league since our inception, however when the opportunity presented itself to jump on board with the PIFL, it was something we just could not resist. The PIFL has a high standard for success, not only on the field, but in promoting their corporate partners and providing a great show for their fans as well. This move will allow us to establish new rivalries, improve our travel arrangements, and increase our national awareness in promoting our franchise and its players. We are thrilled to be the very first team in the growth of the PIFL."
The PIFL consists of teams in Richmond, Virginia, Knoxville, Tennessee, Huntsville, Alabama, Albany, Georgia, Columbus, Georgia, and Lake Charles, Louisiana. Each of the other franchises in the league have been established for multiple years, and have been successful in their business practices. The league plays a twelve game schedule with the top four franchises making the playoffs. The season culminates in the PIFL Cup Championship which is held at home venue of the team in the game with the best overall record.
On the field, the Steelhawks will have to adjust to some rule differences then what they are accustomed to playing the last two years in the IFL. "The PIFL plays more Arena style rules," stated Head Coach Chris Thompson. "It is very similar to the style of play that teams like the Philadelphia Soul must abide by. We will only be able to have one man in motion before the snap, as opposed to two, and there are a few differences on how and where our linebackers are allowed to line up and roam and things like that. But there won't be too much of a learning curve at all. This is the style of play I have been accustomed to as first an arena player, and then as a Coach in my first few seasons with the Reading Express. I am excited to get to work, and get the players here to the Valley to help us bring home a Championship!"
PIFL Executive Committee Chairman John Hargrove added, "the addition of the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks to the Professional Indoor Football League is more than expansion. Their addition represents strategic growth for the PIFL. Lehigh Valley brings quality performance and value in regards to strong leadership on and off the field, their business accomplishments and the Lehigh Valley community that they serve."
The team also announced at they will hold their first open tryouts as members of the PIFL sometime in mid to late September, and are just waiting on finalizing a date. In addition, team officials are working hard towards hosting their first ever Golf Outing scheduled for Friday, August 17th at Sheppard Hills Golf Course located in Wescosville. Lastly, tryouts for the PRECIOUS METAL Dance team will be held on September 15th and 16th at Steel Fitness in Bethlehem from 3-6 p.m. both days.

Joey's Hope Wheelchair Basketball Game Tonight

The Arena Football League and Delgado Community College will host the Joey’s Hope Wheelchair Basketball game tonight (Wednesday, August 8) at 7 p.m. CT, the League Office announced today.
Participating players from both teams in AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV will play against the Rollin’ Hornets, a wheelchair basketball team based in New Orleans.
The Rollin’ Hornets Athletic Association provides sports and recreational programs and events for youth and adults with disabilities.
Admission to the event is free to the public, but donations are encouraged. All of the proceeds from the event will go to support Joey’s Hope for Hungry Children.
Joey’s Hope for Hungry Children was formed to honor the life of New Orleans local USMC Sgt. Joseph A. Bovia who lost his life serving his country on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan. With a passion for helping children, his family and friends collect and purchase food items to send home with hungry school children in New Orleans.

The LFL Names First-Ever Minor League Partnership

Lingerie Football League, LLC. (or ‘LFL’) officials have named Ladies Gridiron League (or ‘LGL’) based out of Sydney, Australia the LFL’s first-ever official minor league.
The Ladies Gridiron League (LGL) was originally modeled off the success of the LFL and to bring awareness of American Football to the Australian Culture. “We are extremely excited to partner with one of the fastest growing sports league not only in the US but potentially the world. This association provides the LGL with instant credibility in Australia while providing the LFL with a better prepared athlete,” said Adrian Brown LGL Founder.
The LGL will work with LFL officials in the football operational build-out of LFL Australia across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane. LFL Australia is set to officially kickoff December 2013 having already named its New South Wales Surge franchise.
More minor leagues associations across Canada and US are expected over the coming year.
LFL officials have been very focused on building the sport internationally in 2012 which includes the debut of LFL Canada and news that the LFL is now seen in more countries around the world than the National Football League (NFL).
“What started as simply a US focus and sport, is now evolving and translating well to a global audience. Groups like the LGL that are compromised of great individuals that are obviously part of the local culture will be instrumental in the growth of our sport beyond the US borders”, said, Mitchell S. Mortaza, Founder & Chairman, Lingerie Football League, LLC.
Alongside LFL United States, LFL Canada and LFL Australia planS are underway to launch LFL Europa in 2014 or 2015 with interest growing in league play in Mexico and South America.
The LFL will host its first-ever World Bowl to be played alongside the 2014 World Cup in Sao Paulo, Brazil featuring the champions of LFL US, LFL Canada and LFL Australia.

Arena Bowl has Soul, fans to send team off at airport hotel

The Philadelphia Soul, which are headed to New Orleans to take on the Arizona Rattlers in the ArenaBowl XXV, are hosting a send-off party at Aloft Philadelphia Airport Hotel this afternoon from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Soul players, coaches, mascot Soulman, cheerleaders the Soulmates and members of the ownership group will be in attendance as well as the entire front office.
On Friday, the Soul beat the Jacksonville Sharks 89-34 to win the American Conference title in front of 12,332 fans at the Wells Fargo Center, one of the team’s biggest crowds of the year.
The Soul won their first AFL championship, Arena Bowl XXII, in 2008.

ArenaBowl XXV Matchup Is Set

After a 75-69 victory over the Utah Blaze in the National Conference championship game, the Arizona Rattlers (13-5) are headed to New Orleans for a meeting with the Philadelphia Soul (15-3) in AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV.
One of the League’s most storied franchises, the Rattlers are primed for their second consecutive ArenaBowl appearance and seventh championship game in franchise history. After winning the West Division for the second consecutive season, Head Coach KEVIN GUY aims to bring the Foster Trophy back to the Valley for the first time since 1997.
The Soul were crowned ArenaBowl champions the last time New Orleans hosted an ArenaBowl. Four years later, the Big Game is back in the “Big Easy” and Head Coach Doug Plank has his sights set on bringing another pro football championship back to Philadelphia. Guided by Offensive Coordinator Clint Dolezel, the Soul offense put up eye-popping numbers in 2012, becoming the first team in AFL history to begin a season with eight straight 60+ point games. In the 2012 postseason, the Soul took down the New Orleans VooDoo (8-10), 66-53, in the opening rounds and scored an AFL postseason-record 89 points against the defending-champion Jacksonville Sharks (10-8) in the American Conference championship game. Their 55-point margin of victory over the Sharks also represents the largest in AFL postseason history.
The Soul and Rattlers will clash for the first time this season in New Orleans on August 10. Kickoff for AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV is set for 10:30 p.m. ET.

Commandos Return Home to CIFL

The CIFL is proud to announce the return of the 2010 & 2011 CIFL  Champion, Cincinnati Commandos.  Led by Head Coach Billy Black and GM Jason Buckley the Commandos will return to the CIFL having put together an impressive 35-3 record in 3 seasons of play.  
"The Cincinnati Commandos organization would like to thank Jim O'Brien and the rest of the CIFL for giving us the opportunity to rejoin the league and compete for another title," said owner Dennis Whitman, "I was personally very impressed with Mr. O'Brien and his outlook on how a successful league should be structured and function as a "team."  I look forward to working with everyone involved in the CIFL and hopefully the Commandos can live up to the standard expected from us by our fans and all of our sponsors."
The Commandos will play their home contests at the Cincinnati Gardens when the season begins in February of 2013.

Wendell Pierce, Sterling Farms, AFL to Hold Food Drive

The Arena Football League will join forces with actor Wendell Pierce to launch the AFL Sterling Farms Fresh Food Drive on Tuesday, August 7th. The newly-launched grocery chain, owned in part by Pierce, will provide bags of fresh produce free to 500 New Orleans area residents in need. The event will take place at the Lapalco Village Shopping Center in Marrero, LA, future home of Sterling Farms, from 4 p.m. CT – 6 p.m. CT . The AFL will be hosting its championship game, AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV on Friday, August 10th at the New Orleans Arena.
Pierce, a New Orleans native who starred in the HBO drama The Wire and plays a leading role in the HBO series Treme, co-founded Sterling Farms grocery stores to directly provide fresh grocery products to residents in underserved New Orleans neighborhoods hit hard by Hurricane Katrina. Sterling Farms will manage three grocery and convenience stores in the New Orleans area in the coming months. The AFL Sterling Farms Fresh Food Drive will take place at the future site of the first Sterling Farms full service grocery store in Marrero.
“This is one of our outreach campaigns to end food deserts,” Pierce said. “We are happy to provide many of families who are in need with some of the fresh produce and grocery items that our company will offer.  The families in these underserved areas will benefit from a company like ours and our mission to provide them the sterling service they deserve.  We are grateful to the AFL for inviting us to be a partner on this very gratifying project.”  Members of both AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV teams will aid Pierce in greeting and assisting residents as they receive the fresh produce and grocery items from Sterling Farms.
“The AFL Sterling Farms Fresh Food Drive is an excellent prelude to AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV,” Adam Robbins, Sr. VP of Marketing and Partnerships for the AFL, said. “Being able to give back to the New Orleans community and contributing to such a meaningful mission with Sterling Farms and Wendell Pierce is an exciting opportunity for the AFL.”
AVITAE Caffeinated Water, RAM Trucks and 711 Bourbon Heat will be sponsoring the event with the AFL and Sterling Farms.

AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV Charity Golf Invitational Is Set

The Arena Football League will host the AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV Charity Golf Invitational at the Stonebridge Golf Club of New Orleans on Thursday, August 9, the League Office announced today.
The four-man scramble will tee off at 8:30 a.m. CT and features select players and coaches competing in AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV, AFL executives, personalities, AFL Hall of Famers, fans and members of the media.
Stonebridge Golf Club is a premier golf course showcasing canals, bayous, reptiles, and other wild life in 27 holes of unique, scenic golf that represents everything about New Orleans. The course is a links-style design with over 100 sand traps and six different sets of tees.
Registration is open to the public and will begin at 7:00 a.m CT. The shotgun start will promptly tee-off at 8:30 a.m. CT and lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. CT.
Food sponsors include Acme Oyster House, Hooters, City Diner, Nacho Mama’s, Rivershack, Big Boy Tamales, and Ligniappe Sno Balls. Coke and Powerade, Old New Orleans Rum, and Budweiser. Miller-Coors will also provide the beverages at the event.
The AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV Championship game will be played just one day the event on Friday, August 10 at 10:30 p.m. ET.

The LFL Canada Signs First Canadian Broadcaster

Lingerie Football League, LLC. (‘LFL’) officials announce yet another international broadcaster in British Columbia’s CHEK Television. With less than 30 days prior to the kickoff of LFL Canada, league officials agreed to terms to have all (8) LFL, Saturday Night Football regular season games as well as the LFL Canada championship game ‘Lingerie Bowl I’, be broadcast in high-definition Saturday nights at 8:30pm throughout British Columbia.
“Considering LFL Football’s track record in relation to television ratings, rapidly building momentum and interest from our viewers, we feel LFL, Saturday Night Football will find a whole new audience on CHEK”, said, Bill Pollock, Program Manager, CHEK Television.
While CHEK will carry all LFL Canada games, the network’s focus will be in centered its home market LFL Canada franchise, the BC Angels. CHEK will have a presence at Angels home games at Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre as well as track the team’s inaugural season development through player features and team reports.
The LFL is expected to announce another Canadian broadcaster to include carriage across the remaining territories in Canada.
“It’s exciting to build yet another league from ground level to hopefully the success we are enjoying in the US. Securing a television license without having even kicked-off truly speaks to the excitement that surrounds our game and the upcoming inaugural season of LFL Canada”, said, Mitchell Mortaza, Founder & Chairman, Lingerie Football League, LLC.

LFL Australia Brands It's First Franchise As The New South Wales Surge

Last Thursday the LFL Australia history introduced the New South Wales Surge as the first team to receive its name.
The NSW team attended a Fuel TV (LFL’s Australia broadcaster) function where everyone gathered to watch the recent All Fantasy Games between the Western and Eastern conferences. During the evening each team member introduced themselves.
Once the game had finished the squads were called onto the stage as the MC for the night Jimmy White read out a statement from LFL Founder and Commissioner Mitchell Mortaza.
“Unfortunately, we could not join you on this incredible and historic evening as we formally launch our New South Wales team of LFL Australia.
We could not be more proud of the excitement and enthusiasm you ladies have shown already in preparation of the 2013 inaugural season.
Sydney has already proven how much it loves LFL Football, now its time for you to win the love of all of New South Wales!
It is now with great pleasure and honour that we formally announce the name of the team and kickoff a new era in Sport throughout New South Wales…….history will be named tonight as you ladies are the first-ever roster of the……… NEW SOUTH WALES SURGE.
The ‘Surge’ was chosen for the power and determination of the Ocean that each you will possess on the football field”.
The players and supporters were all in agreement that this was a great name and would see the girls using it as a reminder of the relentless drive and force required to over power and dominate the opposing team.
At present there is a squad of 30 girls that will eventually be cut down to a roster of 20 who will go on to play in the 2013/14 season. The girls are currently training together as a squad every Sunday as well as doing their own personal fitness during the week. They plan to increase training to two sessions a week in the near future. These girls are willing to sacrifice for this sport. Just look at Courtney ‘cork’ Tildsley to see how serious they are. She drives a ten hour 460 mile round trip every Sunday to train with her team mates.
One thing is for sure, these girls are committed and determined to be ready. It is not just about wanting to play in the Australian LFL for these girls. They want to win it and own it.
The girls owe a lot of thanks to their two coaches who have been putting in a lot of hours to get them to where they are in such a short period of time. Jason Gaffey is the defence coach while Teren Tan watches over the offensive plays. Both coaches bring their extensive knowledge of the game to the table. Jason has represented Australia in Gridiron as both a player and coach.
I was present on the night of 7th June when the LFL held the trials for the NSW squad. To see how far these girls have come in such a short period of time is simply unbelievable. They have really embraced the LFL and to see the talk between themselves both at training and on social networking sites like facebook and twitter is very encouraging.
The girls all have back grounds in other competitive sports which has seen them all climb to great heights in those fields. It is because of this experience that they are all so committed and passionate about the game and one another. They bring that level of professionalism to LFL which can only be a huge positive.
You can teach the game of Gridiron however you can not teach athleticism and this NSW Surge team has that in abundance. A quick look at a few of the girl’s sporting bios shows just how good they are and what they can offer both the team and game.
Renee ‘the assassin’ Straumietis. Played in three baseball World Cups for Australia as a pitcher and had the fastest pitch in the country at 76 mph. She could be the next Ashley Salerno.
Bonnie ‘lil nug’ Gillespie. Originally from New Zealand she was a fantastic track cyclist who won a gold medal for her country. Has a real cheeky side. Will be a crowd favourite.
Amanda ‘AJ’ Janes. Played competitive basketball for NSW and used to play with Lauren Jackson. Was also in the Sydney Flames squad.
Jess ‘the flash’ Hamilton. Came from a surf lifesaving background where she won 5 national gold medals in beach sprinting.
Shari ‘amazon’ Onley. Out and out athlete who used to be Amazon on the TV show Gladiators. Will be the Liz Gorman of the Australian LFL. One highly motivated and inspirational player who will lead by example both on the field and off.
This is just a small sample of what the NSW Surge team have to offer.

Michael Vick's Team Vick Foundation Donates Soul Tickets to Police Athletic League

The Eastern Division Champion, Philadelphia Soul (16-3) announce that Philadelphia Eagles' QB Michael Vick's Team Vick Foundation has purchased tickets to the Arena Football League American Conference Championship game against the defending champion Jacksonville Sharks (11-8) on Friday, August 3 and donated them to the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia. The game will be broadcast nationally on the NFL Network with kickoff slated for 8 p.m.
"I wish I could be there myself, but I'm working on a Championship of our own for Philadelphia," said Vick. "But, I'm thrilled to be able to bring out the Police Athletic League to enjoy the game. I'll be pulling for the Soul."
"We're excited to bring our kids out to see the Soul's big game", said Sgt Eric Ervin, Commanding Sergeant of the PAL Activities Center. "I would need a thousand tongues to say thank you enough to Mr. Vick for providing this opportunity."