New youth flag football program launched in MC

This year a group of parents, former Middlesex High School football players, some former Middlesex Youth Colts football players, along with the Middlesex County Parks and Recreation Department (MPRD) started a flag football program for youth — the Middlesex Mustangs. 

“From one young man’s vision and love for the sport of football, to fruition of the dream for the youth of Middlesex County, youth coed flag football returned to Middlesex County this summer, said Pam Seay, a Mustang board member.

David Seay, 2023 graduate of Middlesex High School (MHS), former MHS running back and a former Middlesex Colts defensive end and running back had a vision for the kids of Middlesex to have the opportunity to learn the game and develop the skills of football, again.

“This county has been looking for a football program. It’s such a baseball filled area but sports are sports — especially when kids are little. They want to try everything,”

– Kendra Yates, mother of Middlesex Mustangs running back and linebacker, Joey Tyler.

The Mustangs faced a challenge in the beginning. “Who do we play?” The surrounding counties that offered football for youth only offered flag football to 6-7 year olds and were only willing to play Mustangs in that age bracket. Otherwise, the other counties were actively playing tackle football for all other ages.

Northumberland YMCA director Rebecca Panis notified Reed that they too had an interest to offer flag football to their youth – so it has been a season of both home and away games, said Pam Seay.

“The Mustangs Program is a great program because it brings a lot of children from different areas and the children are able to make new friends and learn to be a team player and to help support one another,” said Catherine Sites, board member and parent of Mustangs center, Rhenae Sites. “I would love to see the flag football program grow to other counties for the kids to be able to travel and play different teams.”