Youth Football Page
New! MHSFCA
Sponsors the
To recognize individuals who
have contributed to youth football in our state.
Nominate someone in your community
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Scholarships available for youth coaches at Glazier
and Mega Clinics -
http://www.megaclinic.com/youcoa.php
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Youth Football
"A Strategy for Success"
Why?
Our young people have more opportunities to participate in youth activities
than ever before. Soccer, hockey, baseball, swimming, golf,
cross-country, and other sports are clearly taking aim at our youth. When
participation in football becomes an option at the local school, we want
youngsters to be able to make an objective decision. It is essential that
the opportunity to experience this great game at an early age be made
available! If the environment is satisfactory, the game of football will
sell itself.
How?
It is important that the organizational structure be solid. Pifalls are
bad coaches, inadequate financing, poor officiating, lack of adherence to basic
rules (weight, age, etc.), insurance, etc. A majority of these problems
can be avoided if the basic administration is organized and well maintained.
Why Pop Warner?
It is a national organization that has been in place for over 70 years.
It already has an organizational structure based on years of experience.
It gives local administration the clout it needs when enforcing basic rules and
regulations. Supplemental health and liability insurance are available options.
How is Northwest Michigan Organized?
The Pop Warner standards were met with much enthusiasm. Our local YMCA
has taken the reins of acting as administrative agent. These two
organizations have similar goals and the Pop Warner organization looked favorably
at this partnership. We have an Executive Committee that has
representation from each of the local associations. Local associations
are responsible for their own organization, financing, home field preparations,
practice facilities, etc. It is the duty of the YMCA to oversee general
administration, insurance, schedule games, officials, playoffs, etc.
How Do You Finance This Project?
Initially, each association is responsible to buy and pay for equipment.
This has been done in many different ways. Some local banks have given
low-interest (or interest-free) loans on the signature of a few local
supporters. Local business owners have helped in a number of ways.
Fundraisers and program ads are very successful. Some associations charge
a rental fee ($20-$30) annually for equipment. On a given Saturday, we
have 4-6 games at any single site. Local business owners are more
supportive when they see a few hundred people come to town for the day.
Attendance is charged at a rate of $1 per student, $2 per adult.
Concession profits are also a means of income. It is not uncommon for a
local association to make $1,000-$1,500 for a single day of games.
However it is done, debt does not seem to last long!
Has This Been a Successful Endeavor?
In 1995, we started with 10 teams. In 2000, we had 53 teams in nine
counties. All 7 school districts that did not offer junior high football
as an option, now have it in place at the insistence of Pop Warner
parents. High school coaches are reporting increased participation as
these experienced players begin to come through the system. Yes, very
successful!
How Can I Get More Information?
PopWarner Little Scholars
Suite I-25
(215)
Barb Beckett,
(231)
Bill Hollenbeck, President
PW Executive Committee
(231)