JACKSON AREA YOUTH FOOTBALL SEEKS DONATIONS

Plans are moving forward to launch the Jackson Area Youth Football League, which would prove Jackson children opportunity to play tackle football without leaving town.

The Jackson Area Youth Football Foundation (JAYF) is a non profit organization formed to provide Jackson area youth the same opportunities to learn the fundamentals of football and cheer leading which are currently enjoyed by kids growing up in other area towns and in metropolitan areas.

Dennis Sievers and Greg Zeller of Jackson are heading the move and hope to have teams on the field by the fall.

The organization's Mission Statement reads "Educating the Youth of the Jackson area in the fundamentals of football activities in a safe, wholesome environment, and an atmosphere of good sportsmanship. We will promote teamwork, a strong work ethic and build character."

Sievers and Zeller want to see more than 300 children playing this fall. Donations are being sought to help make the league possible.

The estimated equipment cost for outfitting one player is $115. Players requiring adult size equipment cost an additional $85. Cheerleading and flag football participants will cost $15 per participant for uniform and equipment.

That works out to $26,000 for 200 tackle players, $1,200 for 80 flag football players and $1,500 for 100 cheerleaders. Equipment, game officials, insurance and other expenses should total about $37,000 for a season.

Registration fees would bring in about $16,600, leaving just over $20,000 needed. The JAYF's goal is raising $25,000.

"Our goal is to run a no try out' or no cuts' league, meaning all who sign up will be allowed to participate," Sievers said. "Additional fundraising will be necessary in year one if greater than expected sign ups occur. Year two's budget pressures will be greatly reduced since $90 of the $115 expense per tackle player will be negated by re-issuing of league equipment."

Donations of $250 and above should be made payable to the "The Jackson public park foundation fund" attention: JAYF or the "Jackson Jaycee Charitable Foundation" attention: JAYF. Donations of $249.99 and below should be made out to 'JAYF" or the "Jackson Area Youth Football Foundation."

Please mail checks to:

Dennis Sievers

4225 County Road 450

Jackson, Mo 63755

or Greg Zeller

215 County Road 465

Jackson, Mo 63755

The JAYF has released the following list of "frequently asked questions" and answers.

1.) Q - What other towns have youth tackle football programs?

A- Cape Girardeau, Sikeston, Charleston, Poplar Bluff, East Prairie, Portageville, Kennett, Caruthersville in Southeast Missouri as well as numerous programs in the St. Louis area. Also Paducah & Mayfield KY, Anna, Ill.., and Dyersburg, Tn. A search of the Internet turned up over 30 web sites of youth tackle and pom pom leagues.

2.) Q - Are you going to have to travel to play other teams ? A- Not at this time. Our plan is to teach fundamentals and play only games against each other in Jackson at this time.

3.) Q - Do a lot of kids get hurt playing tackle football ? A - No. Due to the size and speed of youth players and quality of equipment injuries are very rare in youth tackle football. Cape Girardeau has had a tackle program for over 20 years with thousands of kids participating. The Cape program has had only seven minor broken bones in that time. Three of these breaks occurred after practice had ended when kids were playing on the way to the car. Statistically, fewer kids are hurt in youth football than riding their bikes or skateboarding.

4.) Q- Will kids have to cut weight to play ? A- No. Weight and age rules are intended for safety purposes only. Age as well as minimum and maximum weights will be used to form divisions. Children should not try to make a specific weight bracket since weight cutofffs will be determined after registration is complete.

5.) Q - Is my donation tax deductible ?

A- Yes. We have filed Articles of Incorporation for a not for profit corporation with the state of Missouri, and are proceeding towards our own 501-C3 designation. In the mean time the Jackson Jaycee Foundation (a recognized 501-C3 corporation) is acting as our granting institution. You can be sure that every penny of your donation by check made out to the Jackson Jaycee Foundation and earmarked to JAYF will both put kids on the field and be tax deductible.

6.) Q - Are you an organized group or just some guys with big ideas ? A- Both. We are an organization with bylaws, codes of conduct and officers. A copy of our bylaws is available. We do however have big ideas and a goal to offer more opportunities to the youth of Jackson.