The Florida Firecats will play on as scheduled in 2009.

The arenafootball2 (af2) franchise will kick off its ninth season at home on March 21 against South Division rival South Georgia.

News reports have questioned plans by the Arena Football League (AFL) to suspend operations for the 2009 season and beyond, but those plans have no impact on the af2.

“We are looking forward to our ninth season here in Southwest Florida,” said Firecats president and general manager Chris Vallozzi. “We operate as an independent organization and league. Any potential suspension of play by the AFL will not have an impact on our team.”

Af2 president Jerry Kurz added, “I want to assure all fans across our 25 markets that we’ll be there all season long, every game will be played and we’ll be here for many years to come. We are related, and we are a part of the arena football family, but we operate separately with our own owners, budget, national sponsors and players.”

The Firecats are going forward with their second open tryout slated for Jan. 24 at Estero High School. The tryout is open to all players and positions. Players are required to participate in a pro-style combine, outdoors on natural grass. Proper workout attire is required and cleats are recommended. On-site registration begins at 10 a.m. with the tryout starting at 11 a.m.

A $75 cash-only registration fee is due the day of the tryout. Players are encouraged to preregister by calling the Firecats office at (239) 390-CATS (2287) or online at www.floridafirecats.com.