I Miss Writing about Fan Controlled Football
While I wasn’t in the “big leagues” at any particular moment in time, one thing I miss dearly is writing about sports.
You see, back in 2020 I decided to try my hand at writing sports articles for an up-and-coming, Philadelphia-based website/blog. While it paid zilch, the experience I gained was invaluable. Getting exposure to formatting correctly, using sites like Grammarly for correct grammar and punctuation, and the foundational skills of SEO and viewership, just to name a few. Another thing I learned was the value of great editors and fellow writers all focused on a singular common goal.
Teamwork made the dream work. I was able to obtain a media credential for a brand new arena football league. It was made possible by team members who “went to bat” for me and my writing skills. It felt great knowing that my colleagues spoke highly of me in a professional setting.
The inaugural season of the above-referenced football league, Fan Controlled Football, took place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With most other football leagues, heck, professional sports for that matter, shelved due to unusual circumstances, the league featured some fantastic up-and-coming athletes. A few of these athletes are now playing in the National Football League, or are VERY close to getting into the league.
The hype surrounding the league was palpable, to say the least. It was arena football with a twist. Fans picked EVERYTHING from logos, team names, color schemes, players, and just about anything else you could dream up.
To say I was on cloud nine covering this league would be an understatement.
(Yes, that’s NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens in the suit. He played in the league for its second season. Insane!)
I would go on to cover the league for its second season as well. In season two, I managed to head to Atlanta, GA to cover the opening round of the playoffs. I met players, coaches, league executives, and more. It was sweet!
Following the league’s second season coming to a close, much uncertainty surrounded future seasons. That uncertainty still remains as I type this out.
For me, I would continue to cover other leagues and players. But… something just hasn’t clicked the same. Whether it was the type of league, the time of the year, or whatever. Nothing has “filled the well” quite like that itty-bitty arena football league.
I guess this is my long-winded way of saying: “Hey FCF, thank you for reinvigorating my love for football. Could you tell us when you’re coming back please?”
Much like the white lines in the picture above, my time covering the FCF was near perfect. It ignited a passion for writing, football, and statistics. While I’m an introvert to a degree, it was able to get me out of my shell a bit. It taught me the values of consistency, communication, building a reputation, accurate reporting, and more.
Perhaps the most important lesson learned during my time covering this niche football adventure was the value of friendship. I made friends and acquaintances that I get to keep in touch with.
All in all, I miss writing about Fan Controlled Football. I miss waking up on game day getting ready to type out game recaps. I miss building on the connections I’ve made through the two-year journey of covering the league.
I miss it all. I hope it will be back soon!
For those who might be interested in anything I’ve written regarding the FCF, click here:
That’s all for today’s Medium post. I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this!
Thanks,
Andrew C. Pettit
