Jacksonville youth football teams practice on TIAA Bank Field

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Three area youth football teams used TIAA Bank stadium Sunday to practice for their upcoming NFL Flag Football tournament in Las Vegas.

The players also received a special gift from the Jacksonville Jaguars to help them bring home the win.

“It’s been a lot of great experiences for these boys to get together and see what other teams around the country are offering,” Elizabeth Graham, Sandalwood’s JV Coach, said.

One 9-youth and two 14-youth flag football teams are making the trip.

The Jacksonville Jaguars sponsor the teams, and each player got a surprise gift from Trevor Lawrence himself.

“As just a big congratulation and a testament to your hard work, I want to send you guys all a new pair of Adidas cleats,” said Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars Quarterback.

“Our kids are definitely excited about that. Cleats are a big thing, all the way down to what color they were,” coach Graham said. 

Coach Elizabeth Graham will be traveling with her team and is making an impact in her own way as one of the few female football coaches in Duval County.

“With the men and the woman, we always respect and value each other’s opinions… Everyone has been really great and receptive to having a female coach on the sidelines,” coach Graham said.

But it’s more than just football. The players are brought in from all over Jacksonville to work together as one.

“These kids are getting to know each other on a better level and it’s interesting to see that they have been able to come together and play as a team,” coach Graham said.