KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Football season is once more upon us, and now there is the opportunity for ladies to show the guys how it’s done with the Powder Puff Flag Football tournament.
“It’s a lot more than playing a sport; it’s the sisterhood, the sideby- side companionship,” said Tech. Sgt. Cassandra Nutter of the 377th Comptroller Squadron.
The idea for the tournament came from Tech. Sgt. Paula St. Hill of the 377th Weapons Systems Security Squadron. A local gym she goes to has is an intramural league for flag football.
“The issue is it’s highly competitive, as they are playing for a trophy, so for someone like me that just wants to play for fun, I would wind up on the sidelines for most of the games,” St. Hill said.
She took the idea for women’s flag football to the 5/6 Council. They liked the idea and paired her with Nutter to make it a reality.
“She is the brains of this; I don’t know much about football, while she knows the rules, the how-to. This is Nutter’s baby,” St. Hill said.
Nutter owns and plays on the semi-pro womens tackle football team the Avengers in Albuquerque.
“Football for me is an outlet-type situation. I can leave all my stress out on the field,” Nutter said.
She said the Avengers also do a lot of work on women’s empowerment. Nutter added that with football season, the games are on TV a lot and the Powder Puff tournament will give ladies a chance to see what the attraction is.
“This is meant for people to meet other players and make connections. And, hopefully, have a fun time,” St. Hill said.
She said she wants to use the tournament to combat the saying of, “There is nothing to do here at Kirtland Air Force Base” and show there are things for people to do. The Avengers will also help and participate during the tournament.
“The Avengers are all very excited. This is a great opportunity for them and community outreach for the team,” Nutter said.
The tournament will be held Nov. 19.
“There were some concerns about the timing, because it is so close to the holidays, but I think it’s a great time because people will be able to let off some steam before the stress of the holidays kicks in,” Nutter said.
The tournament will start at noon at the 377th Force Support Squadron football field inside the track at the East Side Fitness Center.
“The one that’s strategically placed by the McDonald’s,” St. Hill said.
To sign up for the tournament, people can create a team of eight, or they can sign up as individual sand be assigned to a team. There is no deadline for sign-up.
“The earlier the better, though. That way we can make sure people get assigned a team,” Nutter said.
To signs up, email Nutter at cassandra.nutter@us.af.mil or call 853-2609, or email St. Hill at paula.sthill@us.af.mil.
For more information about the Avengers, visit www.abqavengers.com.