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Youth football league officers to stress growth, communication

For the new group of officers of the Rusellville Youth Football and Cheerleading Association, their mission can be summarized in one word: growth.

Whether it's President Loretta Hatton, Vice President Heather Ruiz or any of the other five officers, their focus remains on increasing the numbers of boys and girls participating in the league. The Russellville organization has seen a decline in the number of football players in recent years, resulting in the league fielding teams in only two of the four divisions of the Tennessee Valley Youth Football League.

“If we don't have football players, the girls can't cheer. We don't have a league. We're going to work on increasing the number of kids participating. That's our goal,” Hatton said.

Registration for the 2017 season will take place May 11, 2017, from 4-7:30 p.m., at the Russellville Recreation Center. There is a $40 non-refundable registration fee per child.

Participating ages include four to 12 years. Freshman group is for ages 4-6; sophomore 7-8; junior 9-10 and senior 11-12.

16 teams comprise the Tennessee Valley Youth Football League, although not all teams play each other during the season. Russellville now plays its home games at Russellville Stadium thanks to the support of RHS varsity head coach Mark Heaton, who plans to continue to forge a relationship between the school program and the youth league.

“With all the home games here, these kids can be in the stadium and have that experience,” Heaton said. “We've had a youth camp for the kids. We didn't have the numbers last year but we're making sure that is established and remains in place.

“We want to have interaction with those kids, coaches and parents and do as much as we can to help the league if they'll tell us what we can do to help. The great thing is they've opened the line of communication moving forward. We're looking forward to a great working relationship,” Heaton added.

The 2017 officers include: Hatton (President), Ruiz (Vice President), Rachel Ruiz (Secretary), Priscilla Ruiz (Treasurer), Daisy Jacobo (Equipment), Terri Wells (Cheer Coordinator) and Adolfo Ruiz (Field Manager).

Heather Ruiz, who's had two sons come through the program (one still plays), said in addition to growth, keeping parents informed on what's happening, and what's needed from them, is important.

“We need participation from our parents and organization and communication. There have been problems with communication in football recently and we're working to improve that area,” Heather Ruiz said.

Pre-season conditioning begins July 24. Practices start the following week and practices with pads begin August 5th.

Hatton said there will be a parent meeting after registration and before the season begins. The league is also looking for volunteer coaches. If you are interested in helping coach, contact them by email at youthgoldentigers@gmail.com.

“We have good parents and without them, the league doesn't flow,” Hatton said. “We need them. It's a parent run league and they hold the major responsibility. We're just the voice of it. If you let them know you need help, they're usually willing to step up. If there's poor communication, that can become a problem,” she added.

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