Interview with Lev Petukhov

25th, Jan 2021

We are publishing an interview with the new coordinator of the attack, Lev Petukhov.

Lev, first let us welcome you as a new acquisition to our team. Can you tell us a little bit about your experience with flag football?

LP: “Thank you for calling me! Everything is very exciting! I played my first contactless version of American football almost 12 years ago, and 10 years have passed since I first played as a QB. For the last five years, my hobby over the weekend has changed into my passion and desire when I started traveling around Europe, where I played and practiced this fantastic sport, ”said the sympathetic Lev for the introduction.

You have a doctorate in Russian history, how did flag football appear to you as a sport you loved so much?

LP: "Yes, I'm a historian, my focus is on Russian history in the late 19th and early 20th century, and what's happening with flag football now has a lot to do with what happened to European football a hundred years ago."

How do you think flag football is progressing in the world, from the beginning of the game until now?

LP: “Oh! I call this decade the eve of awakening and recognition! Yes, our sport is well developed in some countries like USA, Mexico, Canada, but Europe and Asia are the next destinations that will set new milestones in flag football and join the continents that are spreading this sport around the world! See how fast the European competition is growing - the Big Bowl, the King Bowl, the Flagging New Year, and I hope that Errea Bowl, which will be organized by us, will do the same. ”

Where did you all play flag football that provided you with so much experience?

LP: “In 2009-2015 I only played in Russia, and in 2016 I was at the Big Bowl for the first time with Zyuzina Zombies, but my trip to Glasgow for Flagging New Year 2018 changed everything! I led a bilingual team for the first time and that opened the door to play Edinburgh Outlaws at the 2018 Big Bowl. It was my best flag football experience, and I enjoy all kinds of international collaboration! ”

Why did you join the Ljubljana Frogs team?

LP: “I love challenges! Becoming a part of a young team that sets high goals is all I can demand from life! I like the fact that the team also focuses on other things like design and “merch”. I think it's a very professional approach and I want to help them with my knowledge so that they will shine on the pitch as well. "

What are your plans for Frogs in the new season?

LP: "I would like to help the Frogs realize the potential they have. All the footage I've seen tells me that the team is on the right track and that only some details need to be adjusted! There's still a lot of room for improvement - faster or slower pace, sequence of calling actions, situations in red zones - we will solve everything! "

Where do you see the team in SFFL and which players are you most excited about?

LP: “I have seen Slovenian teams many times in the Big Bowl, King Bowl and FNYs and all I can say is that there are no bad teams in the Slovenian flag football league! For now, I’m focused on young Darko because flag football teams live and die with their QBs. But the Frog have a solid group of players on both sides of the ball! "

What is your opinion on the breakthrough of flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics? Do you think flag football will become a professional sport?

LP: “Flag football has every right to join the Olympic family! I think our game, along with rugby-7, will be the most improved and exciting sport! Professional flag football is at the door, 10-15 years and that will become a reality! "

And one last question: what do you want to convey to our fan base?

LP: “I have a favorite phrase from American sports - trust the process! All a young team needs is trust, support and unconditional love.

Welcome, Lev