Moray Distillers ready to show their spirit in the growing sport of flag football

IN the week that the LA Rams captured American football’s holy grail by winning the Super Bowl, the sport is coming to Moray.

It may not be the kitted and full contact version of grid iron, but flag football is becoming popular in the UK and the Moray Distillers have taken up the challenge.

Flag football is a five-a-side, non-contact version of American football, similar to tag rugby. It was first played in this area by the Moray Maniacs team in 2003 with the aim of supporting people with mental health issues by taking part in a fun and friendly environment.

The project turned into a competitive team which disbanded in 2007, but one of their squad, Stuart Lee, decided to establish a new Distillers team in 2019.

The club is competing in a league this season and will certainly be clocking up the miles. Their nearest rivals will be the Aberdeen Silvercats and four other Scottish teams have entered, but the Distillers will also travel to face teams from Lees, Newcastle, Sheffield and even Lincolnshire.

He is encouraging local folk to join the club. “Flag football is open to absolutely anyone,” he said.

“It is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and a great way for people to get fit and learn a new sport.

Already 28 players have joined up, and the club is keen to gain sponsorship before the season start in August.

“A major part will come down to costs as everything just now is funded by the players themselves as we try and source some sponsorship,” Ronald added.

The Distillers played a home game at Lossiemouth last year but are exploring the possibility of playing at some of Moray’s new all-weather pitches.

“The players we have so far come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some were just friends who had never played before, others have backgrounds in other sports like rugby and kickboxing.”

Anyone keen to give flag football a go can email moraydistillers@gmail.com or call 07525 936669.