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Hugo youth flag football players finding love for the sport

Hugo youth flag football players finding love for the sport

HUGO, Minn. —

Bennett Johnson

Age: 5

Courtesy: Johnson family

Bennett has played flag football for the past 2 years. He will attend Kindergarten at Oneka Elementary in the fall, and played for the Patriots in the National Flag Football League during the summer. His Dad taught him how to throw a football at age 4. Other sports he has participated in are gymnastics, soccer, track and field, basketball and lacrosse. He also enjoys time with friends, building with Magnatiles and playing with toys. Fast footwork and running through opposing players can be challenging, and sometimes Bennett has been afraid of tripping, but his confidence keeps his feet speeding forward. “You need to be willing to practice and be a good listener,” said Bennett. He loves to celebrate winning a game with his teammates. He thanks his biggest supporters, his cousins, for encouraging him on the field. He will continue to play in the NFFL in the fall, with his Dad as coach, and wants to keep working on faking plays with the football.

Makynlea Berken

Age: 10

Courtesy: Berken family

Makynlea was taught to throw a football at age 5 by her Dad and began playing flag football at 7 years old. The soon-to-be fifth grader played in the summer National Flag Football League with her brother, friends and Dads, who coached their team. She’s had so much fun learning and playing football. “I LOVE football,” said Makynlea. She will also participate in a week-long football camp over the summer. Other sports she has played are t-ball, soccer, gymnastics and basketball. She enjoys anything outside, especially swimming and tubing on the lake and taking rides on the jet ski. One of her biggest challenges in football is being one of the few female players on the field, but that doesn’t stop her from trying her best! Her advice to other girls who want to play the sport is to “always try and you can succeed.” She believes a good football player needs to have determination, passion, speed and have a good throw. Being a part of a team has taught her how to work hard with others, watch out for her teammates and always be encouraging. Her greatest supporters are her family, brother and friends. “Thank you for always believing in me and cheering me on,” she said. Makynlea plans to play tackle football in the fall.  Her future goals are to be the first female NFL player.

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