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Since
playing tackle football currently does not
provide monetary compensation, the D.C.Divas
maintain their jobs. The D.C. Divas players
are women from all types of professions
(doctors, lawyers, police officers,
teachers, engineers, mechanics, etc.) with
various athletic backgrounds (rugby players,
flag football players, divers, swimmers,
runners, volleyball players, etc.). One
could say that these women are playing for
the love of the game. Although the team
loves playing tackle football, its pursuits
do not end at this level. The D.C. Divas
have volunteered at events such as assisting
at the Washington, DC and Marine Corp
Marathons, speaking at local elementary
schools, as well as appearing on local radio
and sports shows in the Washington, DC area.
The D.C. Divas are making sure the people
know women can play tackle football.
In the first season, the D.C. Divas started
slowly. Since most of the players had never
worn the tackle football equipment, the
coaches had to teach them the basics. After
finishing the season with a record of 3-4,
the D.C. Divas were already looking forward
to another season. With some of the
first-year players returning and talented
rookies filling gaps, the D.C. Divas were
able to finish the 2002 season with a record
of 5-3. This year, the D.C. Divas started
the third season in the spring of 2003.
Again, the team had some players returning
from the first- and second-year to mix with
the talent and athleticism of the rookies.
History of the League:
The National Women’s Football Association
(NWFA) was founded by Catherine Masters in
the fall of 2000. At this time the league
had 2 teams - one in Nashville, TN and the
other in Alabama. These teams played a
6-game exhibition season during which a
significant fan base formed. So, in the
beginning of 2001, the NWFA decided to allow
more teams to play. The season was
designated for the spring and summer months.
In the first official season, this fledgling
league had only 10 teams spanning from
Boston, MA to Pensacola, FL. But as word of
the sport grew, so did the interest of
potential players. By the 2002 season the
league doubled its size. 21 teams were vying
for the championship game in the second
year. The teams still spanned the same area
but also appeared from Maine to South Bend,
IN.
Now, this expansion continues into the 2003
season. Presently, the league has 30 teams
schedule to play in the spring. The league
has been featured in the 2003 Super Bowl
XXXVII Program, on web sites, on TV
commercials, in newspapers, in magazines, by
word-of-mouth, and by other such avenues.
More and more people are realizing that
women’s tackle football continues to grow
and draws players and fans alike.
TC
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