ICFA set to host third annual public safety flag football tournament and fundraiser

Football action will be back at Southwest high school for this fundraiser on Saturday

EL CENTRO, Calif. — The Imperial County Fire Department is blending competition with community support this weekend.

The department will host its third annual Public Safety Flag Football Tournament starting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, an event that also serves as a fundraiser for Southwest High School football.

With the fundraiser spearheaded in part by Southwest head coach Bo Seibel, all proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Eagles’ football program.

“Our plants actually come together as a community so we can make an impact on the local youth,” said Captain Galindo of the Imperial County Fire Department. “We’ll be supporting them and also showing them a career in public safety — how this career has opportunities to stay fit, be active, and give back to the community at the same time.”

Seibel said the funds will help sustain the program through the summer months, including participation in 7-on-7 competitions and potential team camps.

“Basically all the funds are going to support us throughout the summer for our 7-on-7, allow our kids those opportunities to travel a little bit,” Seibel said. “I’ve been looking at some team camps as well. It’s awesome that these guys are putting it on for us. All the money is going to go right back to our kids and our program for the summer. It’ll greatly build our program, allowing us to develop our kids and do those things over the summer.”

In addition to the 7-on-7 tournament, the event will feature a 50-50 raffle, food for purchase and the announcement of the first ICFA scholarship recipient.

Admission is $5, and organizers say the event is open to the public.