The Bruins Football Association Flag Football program is now well into its 2023 season, and the competition heated up Monday afternoon after missing a week of play in observance of Independence Day the week prior.
Continuing its tradition to bring coaches to the public, the Bruins Football Association features Chargers coach Justin Rafferty, currently coaching the Chargers in the 4th-5th grade division.
Coach Rafferty, who works for the State of California, now in his 2nd year coaching for coach Bavaro in the Flag Football program, has also coached T-ball, coach pitch baseball, and minors baseball as well in the local little league programs. “Last year my wife talked me into coaching flag football and I really enjoyed it, so I plan on continuing in the football program as long as I can.” he told the Compass.
We asked Coach Rafferty what has surprised him the most coaching so far, “Well… how much these kids learn in this short amount of time, and that Brookings didn’t have a youth football program for quite some time until coach Bavaro brought it back” he said, “and I’m surprised more kids aren’t involved.”
“All these kids are having a good time playing together as a team, and seeing how excited they get and the pride they have in themselves when they make a good play is one of my favorite things about coaching in this program,” Coach Rafferty said,
“Officially, the league doesn’t keep score during these games, but the kids get so involved they believe that they are winning every game,” he said, “and one of my favorite moments is the feeling I get when I get to see the team come together and succeed.”
“What do you hope the kids take away from your coaching experience?” we asked Coach Rafferty, “A better understanding of the game,” he said, “which will hopefully help them enjoy it more and encourage them to continue getting better year after year while taking those learning skills into other aspects of their lives.” – Chargers coach Justin Rafferty
