KEY WEST -- Twenty-five teams of women and girls from across the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Scandinavian countries and the United Kingdom are to converge on Key West this week for the 19th annual Kelly McGillis Classic International Women's Girls' Flag Football Championship. The championship -- named for and endorsed by the actress and former Key West resident who starred in "Top Gun" and "Witness" -- is scheduled to beging on Thursday and ending on Sunday.

According to Diane Beruldsen, president and founder of the International Women's Flag Football Association, players ranging from 8 years old to seniors are to compete in the sporting challenge. The tournament incorporates social events, parties and daily activities for participants as well as four days of hard-fought competition.

Teams compete in divisions based on age and skill level. Divisions include: girls ages 8-14, juniors ages 14-17 and beginners, middle and higher divisions for women 18 and over.

The tournament's opening ceremonies are scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday at Guy Harvey's Grill, on Greene Street. Following the ceremonies, competing teams are to proceed down Duval Street in the annual players parade, which also typically includes floats and marching bands as team members are asked to carry their country or state flags or team banners in the procession.

The on-field action is set to begin on Thursday at the Wickers Field Sports Complex, and continues daily through Sunday's playoffs, which will be followed by the "World Challenge Game" that pits top U.S. women's all-stars against international all-stars.

The tournament lineup also features daily half-time games for players and spectators, as well as Sunday awards events for girls', juniors' and women's teams.

For more information and a full schedule of events for the Kelly McGillis Classic, and for information about the International Women's Flag Football Association, visit www.iwffa.com, call Diane Beruldsen toll-free at 888-464-9332. or e-mail iwffa@iwffa.com.