The Reading Express were honored by its peers in the Indoor Football League with the 2011 Community Relations Award.
The award is presented to the team that best exemplifies outstanding service and dedication to their community. The Express were honored based on the organization’s contributions to the Reading and Berks County communities. These contributions included our volunteer efforts, presence at community and charity events, youth programming, community promotions and outreach programs.
Ambassador of the Year: The Express’ commitment to the community is prevalent in the Smokin’ Hot Steam Team. This season marked a new direction for the Steam Team, and culminated in naming the first-ever Ambassador of the Year on Saturday night.
The first Ambassador of the Year award, which recognizes one Steam Team member for her role in the community, went to Michele Chasky. Michele is a second-year Steam Team member.
As part of the Ambassador of the Year program, each Steam Team member chose a charity to represent. Michele’s charity of choice is the Humane Society, which will reap a monetary donation for her win.
Note: more details on the Steam Team and Ambassador of the Year award will be covered in a separate piece.
Playoff Picture: The Reading Express advanced to the second-round of the IFL playoffs after beating the Chicago Slaughter this past weekend. The Express will now play the Green Bay Blizzard on Saturday, June 25, at the Resch Center in Green Bay. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. EST. Should the team defeat the Blizzard, they will advance to the conference championship.
The United Conference Championship game is slated for Saturday, July 9 at the home of the highest-seeded team. The IFL United Bowl championship game is set for Saturday, July 23, between the champions of the United Conference and Intense Conference.
The Reading Express are one of the most established franchises in indoor football. In six full seasons, the team has amassed an overall record of 73-26 with five playoff appearances, two conference titles and the 2009 AIFA National Championship. In 2011, Reading begins play as a new member of the Indoor Football League. The team plays on The Reading Hospital Medical Group Field at Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa.
