Roslyn resident and NFL Flag Football champion Nicholas Athanasoplous is one of six youngsters who will be representing the United States at the upcoming seventh annual NFL Flag Football World Championship (FFWC) in Cologne, Germany.

Recently, Nicholas and his teammates were given some advice on how to take on the world by New York Jets first year head coach Eric Mangini.

Nicholas and his DAC Panthers teammates from Queens and Long Island attended Jets preseason training camp at Hofstra University on Tuesday, Aug. 15.

Coach Mangini, along with standout wide receiver Laveranues Coles and defensive end Brian Thomas, wished the team good luck before they travel to take on the champions of Canada, China, Germany, Holland, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Spain and Thailand at the Leichtathletik Stadion in Cologne from Aug. 22 to 26.

"Work hard and do what you're supposed to do on every play and success will follow," Coach Mangini told the captivated group. "Don't worry if one play doesn't turn out as you might expect. Just move on to the next play and make that one count.

"You are very privileged to be representing the United States, not only as ambassadors for New York and for the NFL, but also in another country. Go over there and enjoy yourselves."

"I couldn't believe we got to meet the coach and a whole bunch of players," said an excited Nicholas. "Even a star player like Laveranues Coles talked to us and told us to be good over in Germany and to make him proud and come back as champions. It was incredible."

Panthers coach Jimmy Gavalas, whose team's visit to camp was featured by local TV news crews, print media and NewYorkJets.com, added: "I don't think the enormity of what they're doing had hit these kids before today. They have made TV appearances and taken those in their stride, but now here they are meeting their favorite players and leaving for Germany on Monday. It's an exciting time for them and for me as their coach and for the 29 family and friends who will be traveling with us."

The Panthers' progress can be followed at the website www.NFL-Flag.com.