Real football didn't end at the high school and college lines on the map. Here's the game being played every spring in Southside Virginia.
Semi-pro football is organized, full-contact, adult tackle football. The players aren't on NFL salaries — they're welders, teachers, veterans, students, and former college and pro athletes who still love the game. The football itself is anything but casual: full pads, referees, league standings, playoffs, and championships.
In Virginia, the standard-bearer in the Southside is the Virginia Storm — a program with nearly two decades of history and three championships: the 2008 Mason-Dixon Southern Conference title, the 2018 AFA South championship, and the 2021 Sunshine Bowl.
The Carolinas Elite Football Alliance — adult spring football across Virginia and the Carolinas. Games run March through June. See this season's results.
Home games at the Smith River Sports Complex between Danville and Martinsville. Plan a game day.
A roster built on Southside Virginia talent, coached by owner and three-time champion head coach Chris Weeks. Meet the team.
Spring Saturdays at Smith River Sports Complex. Follow the team on Facebook for kickoff times.