The Snowflake-Taylor Youth Football League presented a check to the Snowflake Unified School District, and thanked members of the governing board for what they have done to help with youth football. Those on hand for the presentation included (left to right) League President Jason Whiting, League Treasurer Wendy McVickor, League Secretary Ashley Wood and Board President Cory Johnson.

“We wanted to formally say thank you for your service and what you do…and we wanted to thank you for working with us,” Snowflake-Taylor Youth Football League President Jason Whiting told members of the Snowflake Unified School District Governing Board Nov. 12.

Whiting spoke of the importance of partnerships, noting the school district is a good partner and the football league tried to be one by cleaning the fields before Saturday games and leaving the fields in good condition.

“We also tried to find ways to participate in acts of service throughout the community,” said Whiting, noting that they were told early in the season that the paint striper was broken, so with additional funding the league was able to obtain a paint striper.

Whiting said that he had a lot of hesitancy putting his son in football years ago because of the talk on concussions, but found that the family atmosphere of the league was well worth it. He said he felt that at this point in the kids’ lives they haven’t had the opportunity to commit to this type of service, and youth football teaches commitment with things like daily practices.

He noted that kids are lovingly encouraged to do their best, and spoke of a youngster who has fought cancer since he was 2 years old, but never talks about it. “He’s the smallest kid on the team,” said Whiting. “He didn’t play like it, he played like he was one of the biggest.” Whiting was emotional as he spoke of the boy and his courage. He said that the league’s dinner would be held that evening, and they were honoring the boy with the Local Courage Award.

Board President Cory Johnson said he feels that the youth football program has helped the kids on the Snowflake High School team, and noted they have had some great football teams the past few years.

The league also presented the school district with a check for $500.