Express join IFL

2009 National Champs leaving AIFA

The Reading Express Football Team announced today the organization will join the Indoor Football League, starting in 2011.

The IFL Board of Directors approved the franchise addition to the growing league last week. The IFL is considered the Double-A level of professional football, with close to 30 teams across 15 states. In 2009, the average IFL team had 6 players with NFL experience.

"It's exciting because we're going to have some access to some new players that we maybe haven't had in the past," said Head Coach/Asst. General Manager Chris Thompson.

The Manheim Central graduate was promoted to head coach in July, after serving as interim coach over the final three games of the 2009 AIFA regular season. Thompson served as Offensive Coordinator/Asst. GM for the past three seasons and quarterbacked the Express in their inaugural season. He still holds a franchise record for longest pass at 49 yards (the field is 50 yards long).

Head Coach Chris Thompson address the media

Reading will play in the Atlantic East Division of the IFL, along with the developing Lehigh Valley franchise. (UPDATE: They will be called the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks)