Earlier this weekend we had a look into womens professional tackle football. Yes Virgina, there is professional womens tackle football right here in Chicago. The Chicago Force not only are they dedicated athletes but they know how to show their fans a good time too. I'll be honest, what first drew me to the idea of covering the Force was the old feminist in me. As a product of the 70's I came from a high school where there was no I repeat no womens athletic program. Thanks to Title 9 women who came into high school and college after 1975 got a fair shake when it came to athletic funding. So I expected to find a group of powerful young women aged 20-30 in uniform when I hit the field. I couldn't have been more wrong. The very first woman I met was several years past her 30th birthday. I would come to find out the Force are composed of a group of mostly professional women aged 20's to 45 who love football and the challenge of staying in the physical condition to play it at the professional level. That means three practices a week and 6-7 days a week weight, flexibility and endurance training to have and maintain a body capable of playing the game safely. Because IWFL football ain't powder puff football, it's in your face tackle football. Just like the big boys play and just like the guys you get hurt if you have not earned a body capable of giving and receiving boldy blows and dealing with playing in hot or cold conditions.
Saturday this was proven true as several players of the Minnesota Vixen were taken off the field including one in an ambulance to the hospital. Many of the comments players made to me were that it was the difference in conditioning that made the difference in injuries and on the scoreboard that day. Standing on the field in 85 degree heat with 20 pounds of cameras and lenses around my neck I believed them. With the ending score of 53-0 it is a testament to the Force's fitness team.
I will let Patrick Kissane give the full on detailed account of the game, as usual I will let the images tell the story. These ladies take the game seriously and work hard to play hard. The organization is also working to make it a great fan experience also. Uber fan friendly, comfortable field, reasonably priced concessions and a staff that works to see that everyone has a good time. Next home game is June 13th 3:00 at North Park University. An easy piece of advice though, the seating is on the sunny side of the field so if it is a bright day wear a hat.
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