Believe… in the Team!

Mount Prospect Academy Students and Faculty put their best foot forward in last week’s community football game. The mixed teams of students and faculty held their Fall Flag Football Tournament in classic New Hampshire style on semi-wet but cool autumn day to the cheers of onlookers. Four teams competed for more than 3 hours for the coveted right to be called “Champions” of the gridiron.

 

The day began with- what else!- a Cookout!

MPA Faculty prepared and served food to the competitors in anticipation of the games beginning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teams organized their game-plans and students were briefed on the behavioral expectations for the day.

Before the matches started, special emphasis was placed on ensuring and reinforcing the need for maintaining proper sportsmanship, respectful inclusiveness, and the importance of teamwork.

The MPA Flag Football Tournament was designed to be an exercise in healthy competition and teamwork.

 

MPA faculty and students huddled up before each play, students and faculty subbed in-and-out providing stability and balanced playtime for all the participants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intentionally sharing and rotating positions, designing plays, ‘coaching’ each other as to fellow players strengths, and working together to talk through best team defensive and offensive strategies meant the day was therapeutic, educational, and enjoyable.

 

MPA programs continue to encourage outdoor activities that build on the knowledge that exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, boost self-esteem, enhance cognitive function, and reduce symptoms of depression.

 

By the end of the tournament the outward displays of comradery and cooperation made the event a W-I-N for all.