Youth Football to begin play in October

Manchester Youth Football will play an in-house league for Kindergarten – sixth grade this fall.

Are you ready for some football?

For many in Manchester, the answer is an unqualified, “YES!” And the Manchester Youth Football organization couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to have a Youth season this fall!

According to League Coordinator Dan Budd, “With Governor Whitmer allowing youth sports, we are going ahead with a season for grades K-6 that live in the district or that are enrolled in Manchester Community Schools.”

The youth season will be FREE this year and open to students enrolled in the district as well as home schooled students living in the district. The season will begin with an evaluation practice on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the high school. That schedule will be as follows: K-2 9-9:45 am; 3/4 10-10:45 am; and 5/6 11-11:45 am. Due to limits on spectators, this will not be an “open” practice. Coaches will pick teams following these sessions.

Games will be held on Saturday mornings: Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, and Nov. 7. Due to limits on how many people the facility can accommodate, game times are currently TBD. The league anticipates needing to limit spectators but, Budd says, “We will do what we can to get the most fans in the stands for the kids.”

Games will be 5v5, closely following the rules that the third and fourth grade teams have been playing with the past two years. All divisions will be Flag.

Anyone interested in coaching is asked to notify Budd as soon as possible, via email at lake_effect_d@yahoo.com.

Budd stressed that health and safety guidelines will be strictly followed. “Steps will be put in place to ensure we have a complete and healthy season for everyone,” he said.

If you had previously signed up through the school district, you will need to sign up again with the form linked below. If you had paid originally and have not been refunded, please email Budd at lake_effect_d@yahoo.com and it can be addressed.

“We are all beyond excited to get this season rolling and getting these kids involved in the tradition of Manchester Football. Please spread the word, it’s going to be fun. GO DUTCH!”

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIZenwjW9QE13L8QDbI8RxSXJRqaHMJyH5oczihQ5UevLA6w/viewform

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.