The Raccoon Valley Bank presented a $2,000 check to the Perry Youth Football program. Future Bluejay gridders Hutch Walton, Reid Iben, Mason Hays, Brooks Brelsford, Charlei Baxter, Cash Baxter (rear) and Brady Welch were on hand for the big moment. Also present were Cooklie Buckler, Sofia DeSoto, Jessica Mena, Lindsay Brelsford, Tim Walton, Cory Iben, Kendall Rathje, Kat Sandie, Jeff Hayes, Tod Ellis, Eileen Splendore, Matt Hardy, Matt McDevitt, Shaun Welch, Terry Nielsen, Mindy Baxter and JoLisa Mitchell.
One of the main keys to success as a high school football program is to have a thriving program in the lower grades, and toward that end Perry will be joining the Iowa Developmental Youth Football League.
The local league is off to a solid start, but there is still much work to be done, primarily in the recruiting of players. Local support has been firm and is steadily growing, and an example of that backing was the generous donation of $2,000 made Wednesday by the Raccoon Valley Bank.
Perry varsity head coach Matt Hardy recently resigned his position but has vowed to devote his energies to the youth program. He and several future Bluejays were on hand Wednesday to receive a ceremonial check marking the financial gift.
“The generous donation made by Raccoon Valley Bank will be used toward the purchase of new uniforms for the players in grades 4 to 6,” Hardy said. “I am proud of the tremendous effort our board members have made this winter in actively pursuing donations from local businesses and community members, and in turn we are so grateful for the community’s willingness to support to the Perry Youth Football and its players. The additional donations will also be used toward the purchase of new uniforms and equipment — helmets and shoulder pads — as well as awarding partial scholarships to families of players in need of financial assistance.”
Registration is currently on going. The league would like forms to be returned by May 1. League officials will be at conference nights at St. Pat’s and Perry Elementary to help register players as well as answer any questions about the league (Iowa Developmental Youth Football League). Registration forms can be found at Perry Elementary and St. Pat’s as well as www.facebook.com/PerryYFL.
Former Bluejay football player Torry Brelsford is currently constructing the website, www.PerryYFL.com. Once operational, parents will have the ability to register their children and pay online.
Currently, the league has received confirmed donations from the Progressive Foundry, Raccoon Valley Bank, Clean Works Autowash, Accujet, Hulgan Plumbing and Heating, No Lawn Left Behind, Snap Fitness, Welch Construction, Affordable Quality Roofing and Exteriors, Fareway, Stokely Lumber, Ketelsen Collision Center, Walton Tree Service, Menz Farms, Peters Service Center, Brelsford Family Farms, Re/Max Pros on Main, Clear Choice Exteriors, Osmundson Manufacturing, and Torry Brelsford.
