WARSAW – Phil Jensen wants to see the Tiger Flag Football League carry on and succeed once he decides to hang up his coaching whistle.

That’s part of the reason that the league, which begins its third year on Saturday, has partnered this time around with the RISE Athletic Development program in Warsaw.

“We’re really excited about partnering with them and just think that it will be a fantastic situation for everyone involved,” said Warsaw coach Jensen.

“RISE is such a positive group and our goal is to build something in the community that lasts beyond us.”

The league is open to those in grades 3-6 and will run each Saturday from Aug. 12 to Sept. 30 at Fisher Field. Those in grades 5-6 will meet from 9-10:30 a.m. with those in grades 3-4 from 10:45-12:15 each week.

Campers will receive instruction from members of Jensen’s coaching staff, along with players from WCHS.

“We want the young kids to learn the fundamentals of the game in a safe environment and have fun,” Jensen said. “This is a growing trend for the game and It’s the direction that youth football needs to go.”

“It’s just a win-win situation for our players. They get to take ownership in the league and the campers get quality coaching.”

Jensen noted that there will also be a youth development camp held on Mondays in September for those in grades kindergarten through third.

Ryan Bricker is the Director of RISE, which was formed in the Spring. The organization is a spinoff from Agaitas, a faith-based ministry that offers free athletic camps in the Warsaw community.

“We want to give kids in the Warsaw community a local option where they can develop their skills and develop their character,” said Bricker. “We really want to work with the school system here and support the high school coaches and their programs.”

Bricker says that RISE wants to get involved with the youth development programs for other sports at WCHS too.

“We want this to be something that hopefully is long term,” Bricker said.

Bricker says that RISE has taken its time since being formed back in April and will use the flag football league as a learning experience for its coaches and volunteers who will help out.

The cost of the camp is $25 per player, which includes a reversible jersey and flags and a belt.

Parents can go to wchsfootball.weebly.com to get more information or to register their child.