The NFL Experience took on a literal meaning for the Saucerman family after attending this fun event held here in Indianapolis last year for the Super Bowl. Sophia, now a 6th grader at Heritage Christian School and a Geist resident, loved the Play60 area activities. “After she nailed a 40-yard field goal, her dad, Gus, considered her a natural for the NFL’s Punt, Pass, Kick competition.” said her mom, Pam Saucerman.
The NFL Punt, Pass, Kick (PPK) celebrates its 51st anniversary this year and is the oldest youth program affiliated with the NFL. Three million girls and boys ages 6-15 compete from July to January each year in this free competition, making it one of the largest youth sports programs in the country.
Having played soccer since she was five years old, Sophia, who currently plays on a U12 club team with FC Pride Soccer Club, took to the competition like a natural. Confident in her abilities, Sophia signed up to compete in the NFL PPK. She won the local and regional competitions, qualifying to compete at the national level in Atlanta during the 2nd weekend of playoffs when Atlanta hosted Seattle.
The day of the national finals for the PPK was Sophia’s 12th birthday. What a way to celebrate! Sophia and her family were flown down to Atlanta and had a VIP experience. The families participating in the finals visited the Atlanta Aquarium, competed in the NFL PPK and were introduced at half-time of the game on national television!
Watching her big sister compete and seeing how much fun the entire experience has been, Sierra said she is ready to give it a try next year! A Saucerman Dynasty? Perhaps!
