Youth Football Returns To PVSD
In 2021, Melissa Warmiak's two sons - ages 11 and 8 - expressed interest in playing football. There was just one problem. Melissa's family lives in the Pequea Valley School District (PVSD), and PVSD did not have a football program. "They could play for another school, but I wanted them to play for their school," said Melissa, who started contacting PVSD staff about the problem in the fall of 2021. Soon Melissa had distributed a flyer to gauge interest and had connected with another couple, Nicole and Jeff O'Hara, whose son was also interested in playing.
Now, the O'Haras, along with Melissa, are on a board that oversees Pequea Valley Youth Football Association (PVYFA), a program that teaches football skills and sportsmanship to boys and girls ages 7 to 13 in PVSD. Melissa, who serves as PVYFA president, reported that more than 65 youths are interested in taking part. Jeff serves as football director, assisted by Melissa's husband, Gary. Linzi Arbutina is cheer director, and Modesty Hofmann is assistant cheer director. Adrienne Kilby is fundraising committee chair.
Until about 2018, PVSD had a youth football program, which Melissa believes had been active since the 1990s. Unfortunately, equipment from that program is now considered outdated and illegal, and it will be expensive to replace. To raise funds, PVYFA will hold a dodgeball tournament for teams of six. The tournament for middle school and high school students will be held on Friday, March 18, beginning at 6 p.m. at Pequea Valley High School (PVHS), 4022 E. Newport Road, Kinzers. A tournament for elementary students and adults will be held at PVHS on Saturday, March 19, beginning at 10 a.m. Those wishing to take part may register at http://www.pvyfa.com.
In addition, the group has sent out sponsorship packages and letters to businesses and set up a crowdfunding page. PVYFA organizes concession stands at PVSD basketball games and wrestling matches.
Melissa noted that many students who were not able to take part in a youth program are now learning football fundamentals in middle school. To train upcoming youth, spring camp will be Saturday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, April 10, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the PVHS gym. A summer football camp is planned for June, and the regular season will begin in August.
In addition to funds, the program needs donations of food and beverages and volunteers to help with fundraising and other tasks. Readers who would like to help may call 717-875-2914. More information may be found by searching for "Pequea Valley Youth Football Association" on Facebook.
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