Walter Pouncey, left, and Josiah Hunter practice figure-8 drills at a free clinic held by Columbia Metro Under the Lights, a youth flag football program in Columbia. Photo by Hailey Cunningham/The Carolina Reporter
When a former NFL player started calling plays on a Columbia field last spring, it wasn’t for a professional team — it was for a new youth flag football league eager to play.
Dreher High School graduate Farrington Huguenin founded the Columbia Metro Under the Lights youth flag football league in October 2024. It will begin its second season this spring. Huguenin played for the Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2016 to 2019.
Young people moved Huguenin to action.
“We live in a very head-down, technology-driven world that lacks socialization and teamwork,” Huguenin said. “My dream of becoming a professional athlete started with me going outside, picturing my yard as a football stadium and nature as my cheering crowd. You don’t see that anymore. I rarely hear kids outside playing, and I want to bring that feeling back to our youth.”
Huguenin organized a free community flag football clinic on Feb. 21, joined by former NFL players C.J. Johnson, Kendal Vickers and Avery Williamson.
“None of them were paid,” Huguenin said. “They traveled in from different states simply because they believe in giving back and supporting youth development.”
Johnson lined up the young athletes for a figure-8 drill, running around the cones to demonstrate what the drill should look like. He watched closely as the kids gave it their best effort, cheering and high-fiving them as they made their way back after they ran through the course.
“It was a really good feeling to be out here with the kids, seeing them enjoy the game,” Johnson said. “… You know, we just had sticks and all that stuff (growing up). You know, you had to make yourself an athlete. So it’s nice to be able to come out and get these kids an opportunity to just have fun, meet other kids. It’s a nice little time.”
Teri Gooding, a father on the sidelines, said the clinic offered more than just football skills. It created a space where children could build confidence and relationships with their peers.
“Anybody who has a timid kid, bring them out to flag football, even if they’re never going to play football,” Gooding said. “They’re going to get to meet some other kids. They’re going to get some fun.”
Vickers said parents who worry about tackle football being dangerous now have safe ways to get their children into playing sports.
“You get the fundamentals without the physical deterioration that you get over time from it,” Vickers said.
Mother Tammara Burden said her 16-year-old son has played tackle football since he was 7 years old. She said that while her son has never played flag football, she can see the benefits of children participating. The league helps prepare kids for tackle football by teaching them the foundational skills and drills they would use if they decide to pursue it, she said.
Huguenin’s goals as the league prepares for its second season reach beyond the field.
“Beyond football, I hope the kids learn that every single one of them is capable of having a positive impact on others and that they truly matter,” Huguenin said.
Justin Brown Jr throws a blue foam football in the air. He is smiling and looking off to the left in a black zip-up jacket.
Justin Brown Jr. plays with a foam football at the free clinic because he was not old enough to participate. Photo by Hailey Cunningham/The Carolina Reporter
Farrington Huguenin stands in front of a crowd of youth with hands raised. In his left hand, he had an air horn used to get their attention.
Farrington Huguenin, founder of the Under the Lights Columbia Metro youth flag football program, gathers the crowd of players before they finish the clinic. “My favorite part about coaching young people is watching them grow in confidence and develop belief in themselves,” Huguenin said. Photo by Hailey Cunningham/The Carolina Reporter
Easton Roberts and CJ Johnson stand next to a red flag that marks the station. Easton has a gray t-shirt on with black pants, and CJ Johnson has on a black quarter-zip with a blue University of Kentucky ball cap.
Easton Roberts, left, gets instructed by former NFL player CJ Johnson at the figure-8 drill station during the free clinic. Photo by Hailey Cunningham/The Carolina Reporter
Josiah Hunter and Walter Pouncey are running together side-by-side. Hunter is wearing black shorts and a black t-shirt with a football in his hand, and Pouncey is wearing a red hoodie with black shorts.
Josiah Hunter, left, and Walter Pouncey practice figure-8 drills at a free clinic held by Columbia Metro Under the Lights youth flag football in Columbia. Photo by Hailey Cunningham/The Carolina Reporter