As the 2025 flag football season is in full motion now, teams from around the state are gearing up and working hard to earn their trip to Gillette Stadium this November.

The Seven Hills Foundation, based in Worcester, has three teams that play in the Central Mass League – The Seven Hills Shamrocks, The Seven Hills Spartans and the Seven Hills Sharks. This program, known as Blue Nation, knows a thing or two about setting goals each year and making players feel like they are part of a family. Along with that, this program sets an example in the community and reaches out to those who feel they are excluded and need that sense of belonging.

Under the leadership of Tyrone Hicks Sr, head coach of all the teams since January of 2015, Blue Nation has been in the state tournament in the last 11 years, winning 7 gold medals and earning a trip to the 2022 USA Games in Orlando, Florida, coming home with a bronze medal.

With a tradition of success and a commitment to inclusion, Blue Nation is ready to make 2025 another season to remember.

Here’s what you need to know:

Seven Hills Shamrocks

If there is one team that represents what Blue Nation stands for, it would be the Shamrocks. This team has shown great consistency and uses solid teamwork among the partners and athletes combined.

Over the last two years, the Shamrocks have won back-to-back gold medals and compiled a record of 16-0 in both Central Mass and state tournament play. While the pressure of keeping their winning ways going is difficult, the one thing the Shamrocks remind themselves of is that it's in the past, and focusing on the present is what keeps their spirits up.

“We try not to dwell on the past too much because it can create a lot of pressure for everyone on the team.” Shamrocks QB, Michael Kelley, stated.

“As long as we trust the process and let the results take care of themselves, we'll be okay.”

With the core of the team back last year, including veteran partners and brothers, Jonathan and Hayden Lloyd, we should see this team ready for the 2025 campaign.

• Last Season:
  
  • 7-0
  • Division A Gold Medal

Seven Hills Spartans

The Spartans are another program that Seven Hills believes can show how competitive they are on the flag football field as well. Despite facing tough competition in the Central Mass League last season, they still pulled off a great 2024 campaign, finishing with a gold medal in their division. Now entering 2025 with a lot of confidence, this team feels they have a good chance to repeat and fight for their next trip to Gillette in November.

“Well, we look to repeat what we did last year, but we also want to win our league this year as well.” Spartans QB and team leader, Kyle Stokes, said.

“As a team, I think we look to play stronger on defense and be more efficient on offense. We had too many drives where we couldn’t convert on fourth down, so looking to improve on that and defensively. We were good last year, but I know we can be better this year. We need to understand what defense we are doing and what the assignments are so we don’t allow big plays.”

With the majority of the Spartans returning from last year’s squad, this team is ready to bring its competitiveness and hope for another trip to Gillette.

• Last Season
  
  • 3-4
  • Division D State Champs

Seven Hills Sharks

When it comes to being an underdog team that defies any odds, the Sharks are one team that is a good example. Entering their third season since they began in 2023, the Sharks made it to Gillette Stadium last year. Despite falling short of the gold medal in their division, this team was defined by having fun and enjoying what the upcoming season is gonna bring.

“We are ready to get back on the field and play.” Second-year veteran Anita Griffin said.

“We had an amazing time playing at Gillette last year, and we’re hoping to get there again this year. We just have to play hard and work hard. We are excited for an amazing season.”

Let’s see if the Sharks can make that happen and pursue their second straight trip to Foxborough.

• Last Season
  
  • 4-4
  • Division E Silver Medalist

We wish the best of luck to all three teams as they prepare, along with all the teams across the state of Massachusetts.

Mike Kelley is a member of the Special Olympics MA Content Squad. The mission of Special Olympics MA Athlete Leadership is to empower athletes to develop communication skills and utilize their voices to assume meaningful leadership roles. As members of the Content Squad, athlete leaders contribute to Special Olympics MA story-telling through interviews, photos, video creation, and more.