Historic, angelic siblings

Velludo sisters still ready to make LFL Canada history as first pair of siblings to compete 

As the second season of LFL Canada would have brought with it many new players, the most unique would have been the Velludo sisters, Rebecca and Veronica. Having made the BC Angels roster, the dynamic duo would have been the first pair of sisters to compete in LFL Canada. While Rebecca was ready to contribute to the squad’s defensive unit, Veronica was hoping to light up scoreboards as a member of a potent Angels offense.

NOTE: Prior to the September 16 announcement that the 2013 LFL Canada season was postponed until 2014, the Velludo sisters had spoken about the potential to make history as the first pair of sisters to be teammates in LFL Canada.

Being part of league history is an exciting aspect in their promising careers. The accomplishment in enriched by the fact that despite their athletic backgrounds, the Velludo sisters have never been teammates before. In discussing what it means to be the first pair of sisters to play together in LFL Canada, they replied,

“That is a tough question to answer, but it is exciting for us. For the first time in a sport we are a team, rather than supporting each other on the sideline because we were separated due to our age. Being in a league together has helped us grow together as sisters and best friends. We hope that girls out there are interested in joining a sport with their sister as a supportive pair rather than a competitive opponent.”

With a background in flag football, Rebecca was a natural to elevate her game to the LFL Canada gridiron. Participating in a Vancouver-based league, one of her teammates was current Angels quarterback Mary-Anne Hanson. Having helped the Angels to the 2012 LFL Canada championship, Hanson had suggested to Rebecca the possibility of competing on the LFL gridiron.

“I was approached by Coach Clayton at the Vancouver Women’s flag football playoffs. He asked me if I was ever interested, but I politely declined at the time. However, it did spark an interest in me. Talking with the girls on my flag team, especially Mary-Anne, they said that I would fit right in the LFL because I am ‘too aggressive and physical for flag sometimes’.

A few weeks later I asked about tryouts and Mary-Anne invited me to a practice. I fell in love with tackle football and then invited my sister out. For the first time, we could play a sport together. Veronica came out to a practice, and with persuasion from her boyfriend, we convinced her to make the official commitment to join the team,” noted Rebecca.

At the urging of her sister, Veronica also attended the Angels practice. While she credits her sister for getting her involved, there were other sources that spurred her to compete.

”My sister was asked by Mary-Anne to go to a practice, and then my sister asked me to go to a practice. If it was not for my sister, I probably would not be playing. I was always interested in it but was not sure about it. Also, the support from my boyfriend has really motivated me to excel and compete in LFL Canada and show them what I have to offer.”

If one sport had an impact during their upbringing, it would be soccer. Both played in their earliest years under the tutelage of their father, although they would grow into two different positions on the field. The common ground from their experiences in the sport was the essence of preparation and teamwork.

“I have played soccer since I was 5 years old, and I believe that is where the roots of athletic ability originally came from. Growing up in soccer, I gravitated to midfielder and defender positions. I like the opportunity to read the field and act,” stated Rebecca.

Contrary to her sister, soccer would be the stimulus for Veronica’s interest in playing on the offensive side of the game. “Playing soccer, I was always a striker which translates into the offensive player that I am and how I play.” While the LFL promises to be the most challenging and exciting athletic endeavor yet, Veronica credits her past sporting experiences as making her a fundamentally sound athlete ready for this next phase.

“I believe the experiences I have from the different sports and leagues I have played in have greatly helped me prepare for LFL. However, the coaching I have received since I started playing has been excellent and has helped me understand the game.  This is so important because football consists of a lot of strategy.”

Rebecca added, “My dad, a coach of the four of us kids (we have two brothers), always taught us ‘composure’ and ‘anticipation’. Two things that I have carried over into tackle football’s defensive roles. I joined flag football a few years ago, after Veronica had played a season with the Women’s Flag Football League.

I was interested in getting back into a sport and getting back into a healthier lifestyle. So she invited me to join the league.”

For Veronica, her initial exposure to football was distinctive from her sister. “I started playing football in the men’s Fraser Valley Touch Football League, and that is where I learned a lot about football from the guys on my team.

I had to be tough because at the start of every game, teams would count me out as a threat because I was a girl. So, I had to prove that I belonged on the field and could compete there too. It was a great experience. I did well and showed I could play with the men.”

While flag football cultivated their interest in extending their athletic endeavors, it also contributed towards building their confidence.  Veronica continued, “After a year in that league (Fraser Valley), I moved to the Vancouver Women’s Flag Football League.

I love flag football because it gives me opportunity to play more of the game I want to play, with more running. Flag is where I learned to refine my skills more and I feel I have improved since I started playing 4 years ago.”

While Rebecca is eager to give the Angels a chance to win; she is quick to point out the leadership and guidance that the Angels coaching staff have shown. Although any athlete’s rookie season is certainly a learning experience, Rebecca and her sister are both entering the LFL with the understanding that the opportunity is one that requires hard work and a willingness to learn from those that came before. The humility shows a tremendous maturity and an attitude that should help mold them into future champions.

“Flag football is where I learned a lot of the basics and rules of football. However, joining the BC Angels and working with the coaching staff I have definitely grown as a football player. There are many different techniques and specific mechanics of tackle football that are not in flag football.

Concentrating on those skills has helped me grow, as well as getting used to such a small field. The coaching staff is very receptive and pushes me to be my best, while giving opportunities for me to constantly learn and grow,” remarked Rebecca.

Part of the crop of rookies on the Angels roster, the Velludo sisters are serious about helping the club win its second consecutive championship. Both sisters are proud to be part of BC’s winning culture and explain what they believe it will take to end their inaugural season in LFL Canada on a championship note,

“Just like any championship win, it is a journey. It is not something that is just handed to you. Instead, it requires hard work, dedication, and collaboration.

Although the Velludo sisters will have to wait until 2014 to capture the hearts and minds of Angels fans, their collaboration on the gridiron exemplifies the spirit of teamwork and sisterhood that helps to make women’s football so unique.

While the decision to postpone the 2013 season was a visceral one, the Velludo sisters still have the chance to build on their legacy as the first sisters to play together in LFL Canada. A December 6 match-up takes the Angels to a cross-border battle with the Seattle Mist in Kent, Washington.

As the only inter-league match in LFL, the Angels are looking to avenge their loss in last year’s tilt with the Mist. Known as the Pacific Cup, it is a remarkable showcase for the Velludo sisters and the other new faces from the Angels to display their skills. Their energy, enthusiasm and love for the game earned them spots on the roster, now it is time for the fans to see them bring their effort to the gridiron.

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”