INDIANAPOLIS -- By day, they're homemakers and career women, but this weekend, they transform into treacherous beasts on the football field.

The Indiana Speed are ready to start the season as part of the Women's Professional Football League, which has been around for eight years, 6News' Emily Gimmel reported.

Indianapolis' team has been part of the league for six seasons.

"You are always told as a girl you are not allowed to play football," said quarterback Cassie Longcore. "I'd always be on the sidelines. So, it is kind of cool that I finally get to play."

Aside from a few minor differences, the rules of the game are the same, including tackling.

"The game is more of a team game. There is no one player who is going to take over a game like you see in the NFL," said coach Chris Wood. "That is what I enjoy about it. It is more of a coaching game."

The players range in age from 18 to 40 and practice twice a week. The Speed face opponents in Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Carolina in a league that has 15 teams.

Players are not paid and there are no high-profile endorsements. Athletes pay most expenses out of pocket, and the rookie sign-up fee is $750.

"We hit as hard as men hit, but we have twice the heart," said defensive end Chris Stringfellow. "We are not paid anything to come out here and do this. It is all love of the game."

The best players get a chance to take part in a national all-pro game at the end of the season.

The Indiana Speed have their season opener on Saturday at Broad Ripple High School against the Minnesota Vixens at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children and seniors.