MLFA, MINOR LEAGUE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

[XFL]

There is now a new national minor league, called the Minor League Football Association, MLFA. Looks to be very professional and well organized. Players will actually get paid for their play. The front office is made up of several former NAFL front office people. Looks like they'll be challenging the NAFL. The league started last summer but hasn't played their first game yet. The season is scheduled to start in May or June. They have about 58 teams signed up for their first season. Teams from several different leagues around the country, including some from the NAFL, have joined up with the MLFA. The MLFA is giving team owners more power and control of their own teams and a say in which direction the MLFA goes. Also looks like they have the endorsement of the NFL. I think the NFL might be behind this new organization to keep the NAFL from growing too big and taking away some of its players and fans. Competition from new leagues is healthy for football. A win win situation for players and fans. This could be very interesting when the league starts play and things heat up between the two leagues. STAY TUNED!

www.minorleaguefootball.net

[Dan K]

Unfortunately, the MLFA sounds like another one of the many semi-pro, senior, or adult football leagues that pop up every year on the Semi-Pro Football Headquarters (www.semiprofootball.org). Many of the teams mentioned were part of some of the 2003 fall leagues covered by this web site. The league may be professionally run, but will the players actually be paid to play?

[MLFA]

Thanks, I am not aware of any teams paying their players in the MLFA.

We have just finished a very successful 1st season and 2005 looks brighter than ever. Yes the MLFA is like a lot of of other league on this level. Except for the way it is run. I will not say it is better or worse than any other leagues, as there are some very well run regional leagues, on this level. I will say that until people give the outdoor leagues a chance and show some faith they will always be viewed as beer leagues. I don't feel the MLFA is a beer league and the owners and managers running the teams would agree.

All I asks is, those of you disbelievers. just pay attention and show some support. If you can see where improvements need to be made, let us know. Just because you pay your players doesn't make you anymore professional. Do you realize how many indoor teams run in the red each year?

I myself am a indoor fan and live right in the middle and a number of them. Sioux Falls Storm would be home town favorite


Best of luck to all teams on all levels

[Houston Caldwell]

In promoting MLFA, I would quickly mention that the Everett Hawks, an NIFL team formed from an NAFL champion program, is 5-0 to date in the NIFL.
The smaller Indoor rosters make the small pay stipends possible; whether you're in Indoor or NAFL/MLFA, you'd better keep your day job. Also watch the progress of Nebraska BEARS in APFL, who will field an APFL and NAFL squad.
The bottom line is that Arena1, CFL, and NFL are the only leagues where you can make a good full-time living playing football; but the athletes in both Indoor and NAFL/MLFA are WORTH WATCHING. I'm both an NAFL COO/Co-Owner AND a sponsor of 2 popular Indoor Football Message Boards, so both variations have my love and support.
If you can find time in your schedule, check out Nashville's May 14 Mayor's Cup Exhibition Game between the MLFA Nashville Mustangs and NAFL Nashville Storm; this pits top-level 2004 teams in both leagues against each other, and will be entertaining to watch; would be delighted to entertain you, we'll put dinner on the outcome or something.

[Houston Caldwell]

Final score: Nashville Storm(NAFL) 21 - Nashville Mustangs (MLFA) 6.