In 2003, I heard about a womens football team in Manchester from my daughter Amy Michelizza.  She told me that she was going to try out for the team.  Like other initial thoughts, I wasn't aware at the time that women playing tackle football was possible or even competitive.  It was at this point I began researching the team and the league.  I looked around many websites learning about their struggles and triumphs as women.  In these brief moments I knew I had to see more, had to be apart of this, and didn't know how to get anything started, but I knew going to a game was my first step.

Opening day in 2003 and with my father, we ventured to West High School field, home of the Manchester Freedom.  In the stands with approximately 400-500 in attendance, it proved to be a perfect afternoon for a football game.  The kick off, the return, the offense, the defense...this was passion, this was history, this was where I found my heart eager to get more involved...an event many thought not possible, an event I wished to support.

So in 2005 the opportunity arose where I took on the investment of buying this team.  Since the franchise purchase, I have gained a coaching staff and team of athletes I call family.  Their efforts as members of the Manchester Freedom is inspirational and I encourage you to take the chance I took for their future initiative.  There are women with full-time jobs, full-time families, their children are involved...they are not your average, run of the mill women. 

Each year I gain more and more respect for the efforts they give to keeping this team alive.  They play this sport with heart, strength, pride, and perseverance.  This is the SOUL for the women of New Hampshire.  There are many female semi-professional teams throughout the state, but not a single football team.  They commit five and a half months, three days a week of hard work learning, performing, and perfecting the game with sprained ankles, muscle pulls, broken bones taped up, all with no complaints. 

The Manchester Freedom has not grown to the point where they can pay their athletes, therefore sponsors and promotions are important as this franchise grows into the thought of, "It's not just a mans game anymore."

Thanks to our sponsors, fans, families, and friends who take pennies and builds dreams.  You have become our inspiration on this journey.  This is a collision sport...this is NFL rules...this is women at their best...giving hope to girls of all ages.  The mom's, who play today, give them a chance to play tomorrow.

 - Ray Simoneau, Owner/CEO of the Manchester Freedom