Heavy rain couldn’t keep ten Summer Snaps flag football teams — representing more than 130 women — off the field Thursday night as they kicked off Week 1 of the league’s second season.
Last summer, Summer Snaps brought something new to Swampscott: a fun, welcoming way for women to stay active, compete, meet new people and build community. Seventy women participated across the league’s six teams during its inaugural season.
The league was an immediate success, and after a strong first year, it has nearly doubled in size heading into season two. According to co-founder Kristin Doerrer, one of the things that makes Summer Snaps special is the game-night atmosphere, which she describes as “electric.”
Despite a daunting weather forecast, all ten teams took the field Thursday night to kick off the league’s second season. Husbands, children and other family members lined the sidelines beneath umbrellas as players battled slippery footballs and torrential rain.
Games will be played every Thursday at Blocksidge Field through July, culminating in a Super Bowl championship night on the first Thursday of August. The evening will also feature a moms-versus-kids showdown. Meanwhile, defending champion Salty Beaches will be looking to retain its title.
“We wanted to start a league that felt recreational and fun,” said Doerrer, who formerly played in a different league with co-founder Katelyn Leonard. “But people still want to win, it’s competitive.”
Doerrer and Leonard originally spread the word by recruiting via text message. Before they knew it, 70 women had signed up.
“The first season was great,” said Doerrer. “We had a very well attended championship game. There are usually crowds of friends and family in the stands. The community building is what struck me the most.”
Doerrer said teams will often go out to dinner together after games, and friendly trash talk is common on the field.
“For me, I really enjoy the game of football,” said Doerrer. “I love watching it, so this gives me the opportunity to practice and play the sport.”
One of the biggest draws of Summer Snaps is the opportunity to be part of a team environment, Doerrer said.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to meet new people and try something new you never thought you would do,” said Doerrer. “You get to engage in friendly competition and be a part of something that has really become a part of the fabric of Swampscott.”
Doerrer said the connections made through the league often extend beyond the field. Around town, players frequently recognize one another and exchange greetings, often with the thought, “I know you — you play.”
