Monday, May 26, 2008
By JON MOFFETT
Vindicator Staff Writer
YOUNGSTOWN — Although the attention of the sports world might be focused on baseball, some area youth are preparing for the twilight of their football season.
The Youngstown Youth Flag Football Association finished regular season play on Sunday.
The league playoffs, which will be held next Sunday, are all that remain in the spring season.
The league began in the spring of last year and has two seasons per year, one in the spring and another in the fall.
It is made up of four divisions, which are broken down by age. The divisions are 5-6, 7-8, 9-11 and 12-14, but the league is looking to expand and include a 15-17 division. All of the divisions are co-ed.
Teams are made up of anywhere from eight to 10 children, based on the number of participants. There are no tryouts, cuts or drafts.
As well as the football, there also are youth cheerleaders who want to be involved, but don’t necessarily want to play. There are 35 cheerleaders for the league.
The YYFFA is endorsed by the National Football League, who donate authentic flag football jerseys, footballs, flags and other equipment. All of the participants get to keep their jerseys at the end of the season.
Elliott Giles, a graduate of Youngstown State University, is the president of the league. His passion for the game of football and desire to be involved with kids are what inspired him to create the league.
“You don’t have to look any further than degree in elementary education and my love for football,” Giles said. “I have the ability to interact with and teach kids while staying involved in the sport that I’ve played since I was 5 years old.”
Giles played wide receiver for the Penguins, and was part of the 1997 National Championship team under current Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel.
After graduating, Giles decided to stay in the area and devote as much time as he could to the community.
“I’ve been involved with football my whole life. I grew up playing tackle football and I loved it,” Giles said. “Since my YSU days, this league has given me a great opportunity to stay involved in football while impacting our youth.”
According to Giles, the YYFFA is benefits children because it instills in them a sense of teamwork.
“[Football] is the ultimate team sport,” Giles said. “On any level, nothing is more gratifying than watching a team succeed in a task that was accomplished because each of them worked towards a common goal.
“One example, playing a National Championship,” Giles said. “The thing I remember the most about that year was the journey and what it took to get there...
“When a child signs up to play in my league they are becoming a part of a structured, organized program that stresses fun and teamwork,” Giles said. “Coaches teach discipline and sportsmanship, and lastly really focuses on the fundamentals of the game.”
Although the spring season is coming to an end, players who are interested should consider signing up for the fall season.
The cost of the league is $80. Play will begin in early September.
Giles notes that his league is open to anyone that wants to play whether they are “great athletes” or “playing for the first time.”
He said he feels that it is a great way to keep kids involved with athletics all year and keep them out of trouble.
“I want to make the entire city of Youngstown know about the positive, unbelievable program evolving in their city,” Giles said. “With all that is bad around here, it’s good to give people some good news to read about.
“It keeps the kids out of trouble. Even if it’s for a couple of hours a day, the kids are being active and having fun, Giles said.
For more information on the YYFFA, contact Giles via cell phone (330-559-1272) or visit www.yffayouth.net