Local Business Spotlight Metro Boston NFL Flag Football

This Patch article is sponsored by Metro Boston NFL Flag Football.

Local businesses are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with Jacob Groshek, Managing Director, Metro Boston NFL Flag, of Metro Boston NFL Flag Football.

Patch: Tell us a bit about your business or organization:
Jacob Groshek: Metro Boston NFL Flag Football Metro Boston NFL Flag is *the* home of official NFL Flag Football in the greater Boston area. We offer recreational and competitive flag football for boys and girls aged between 5 - 17 from all cities and towns in the region. Games are held on the weekends, and practices are typically right before the game each week. All players in Metro Boston NFL Flag programs are eligible to compete in the regional and national NFL Flag tournaments as well as events at Fenway Park, the NFL Pro Bowl, Boston College, and much, much more. The mission of Metro Boston NFL Flag in all our local leagues and locations is for everyone to play and develop. Teams are typically small with about 7 players, which gives every player a chance to be an important part of the team. Our focus is on making sure everyone is having fun while learning the basics of the game, teamwork, and important lessons in sportsmanship.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?
Jacob Groshek: 7 years - We started with a small Turkey Bowl in Newton in November of 2017 and we have since grown to serve communities throughout greater Boston with Co-Ed and Girls Only programs.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?
Jacob Groshek: I grew up playing sports and always wanted to be involved in coaching and athletics. After earning my PhD in communication from Indiana University and living abroad for several years, which eventually led to earning tenure at Boston University, I was looking for a new challenge and my son was looking to play NFL Flag Football. However, there weren't any programs available where we lived, so we started a league. I had no idea what to expect but it has grown ever since, and we now take teams to national tournaments and host our own events at premier venues with some of the best teams from the country. It has been a journey that has brought countless opportunities and tremendous experiences to thousands of players and their families, and that has brought me great joy.

Patch: What's the most common piece of advice you give to customers?
Jacob Groshek: You can't win them all, but you can give your all. Learn from your mistakes, cherish the wins, and always be moving forward to the next play. You never know all the good you can do until you try.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Jacob Groshek: Honestly, it isn't the regional tournament wins or high profile events at college and professional stadiums, or even interactions with players and coaches from the NBA, NFL, MLB, or MLS. The most satisfying part of this job is when those young players who aren't great at many sports, or who don't come in with a lot of confidence in their abilities make big plays that determine the outcome of games. Seeing them transform on the field and believe in themselves is something that makes all the tireless hours behind the scenes worthwhile. I've watched this happen over and over again, and that is the thing that makes me smile - knowing we are making a kid's day, month, or year that contributes to their overall development.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?
Jacob Groshek: We actually care. Youth sports is a huge business and most directors simply don't bother to respond to parent or player concerns. I read every email and work to address any issues so that the players come away with an experience they cherish. I've been the kid at the end of the bench and left some sports entirely because the league director wasn't responsive to those concerns or the lessons those coaches were imparting on me. I've also been the parent whose emails go ignored by the coach and the league director. While we can't fix every possible outcome, I personally work hard to be as available and engaged as humanly possible to all our families. At the end of the day, I can listen and be responsive, and that is what separates us from many other leagues and many other sports. We really, actually care and that resonates in everything we do.