New Jersey's newest sports team made its home debut Saturday night in Paterson.

The Jersey Shore Wave are the newest addition to the Women’s National Football Conference. Team owner Dawn Sherman has one message to those who don’t yet know her team.

“Women play tackle football, and they are tough,” Sherman said. “Wait until you see the game.”

“It’s its own game,” said head coach Fabian Alesandro. “There are going to be differences, but these women practice hard and they play hard. It’s enjoyable to watch.”

Saturday’s home opener was a homecoming in many ways as 20 players on the roster are New Jersey natives.

“These women are members of your community,” Sherman said. “They are teachers, they are doctors, lawyers, you name it - they have those professions.”

Each player has a different story on how they made it, but they recognize the opportunity to pay it forward.

“I’m just excited for all the little girls to be able to see that they can grow up and play tackle,” said wide receiver Danielle Izykowicz. “It’s something that doesn’t seem attainable, but it’s here. We’re all here, we want to play.”

“It’s nothing I ever imagined,” said wide receiver Jasmine Bonaparte, of Union. “Most high schools out here, we don’t have the grand look of things. To be in such a historical stadium with all of the amenities and renovations that they’ve put in, it’s crazy, it’s amazing.”

You can find more information on the team, including its upcoming schedule, on the team’s website.