In 2007, a program was launched in the community that would change lives and bring families together. That program was the Tippah County Youth Football League or TCYFL. The TCYFL is a local, parent-led program focused on instruction rather than competition. The teams in the league play games against each other, but the primary focus is to teach and give kids the building blocks they need to be successful players and remain coachable when they become old enough to play for their schools.
At one point, there were over 250 players in the program and it served as a foundation for many of Ripley and Tippah County’s top football players throughout the years. Today, the Tippah County Youth Football League is in danger of disappearing for good. As of this writing, there are only 21 kids signed up to play. That’s barely enough to make two teams, much less the four that’s needed to play. If more don’t sign up, the program will not go on this year.
One of the reasons the league is short on players is that many have decided to participate in a new traveling competition football program or they are playing in a traveling league for another sport. Travel ball has become increasingly popular over the last several years and it has greatly impacted instructional programs like TCYFL. Unlike travel leagues, TCYFL focuses on instruction and training, providing equal attention and playing time for all players. This not only fosters skill development but also bonds families and allows for valuable shared experiences.
Programs like TCYFL are parent-led, meaning that the parents are organizing the teams and schedules as well as coaching. There’s no travel–the teams play other teams in their local league–and there are no Saturday games for TCYFL so the players and their families can have that time to spend together or maybe even attend a college game. The cost to participate in TCYFL is significantly lower than that of travel leagues, making it a more accessible option for families.
In today’s economy, the costs of travel ball leagues are higher than ever before. The costs and expenses for some travel ball leagues can reach over $2,000 for one athlete. For many families, that means travel ball is no longer in the budget. The cost of TCYFL is $145 and includes pads, helmet, practice and game jerseys, and insurance. That’s significantly lower than the cost of a travel league and there are no additional expenses for traveling.
The positive impact of TCYFL goes beyond what’s learned on the field. Margie James, a board member of TCYFL who has three sons who each participated in the youth football program, recalls how the league helped to bring families together and gave many fathers in the community a new opportunity to spend time with and lead their children and bond with them over a shared experience. “There were fathers that had been absent and saw this opportunity to be part of their kids’ lives through the program. It gave these dads something to focus on and they were able to build new connections with their kids.”
Though travel and competition leagues have become the favored way to play, they aren’t as inclusive as community-based programs, and the time that’s demanded to be given up for being part of these leagues can negatively impact families. Travel requires weekend games—many
families have to split up on the weekends to accommodate the demands of the travel team schedule.
Programs like TCYFL offer all aspiring players the opportunity to play and learn the sport while leaving time for kids to participate in other sports and activities and for families to spend time together in other ways. The Tippah County Youth Football League also helps support the Ripley Sportsplex and gives kids in the community something to do while learning irreplaceable skills and values.
The Tippah County Youth Football League is asking the community for help to save the program. Though the cost for players is lower than most other programs and a discount is available for siblings, the $145 fee is still out of reach for some families. One way local businesses can help is to sponsor a player whose family cannot otherwise afford the program. Local businesses can also help by sponsoring a portion of the $1500 cost to play on the rec league fields, or sponsor equipment upgrades or referees who call the games.
Another way the community can help is by spreading the word about the program, especially to their families and friends who have kids who want to play football. Board member Margie James says that families who are concerned about the cost should not let that stop them from signing up–if your child wants to play, the league is willing to help make it happen.
One final way parents and community members can help save the program is to join the TCYFL board of directors. The board needs new members to bring refreshment and revitalization to the program.
If your child is interested in joining the Tippah County Youth Football League, sign-up has been extended through September 9th at 5 pm. You can drop off registration forms at Rebel Services in Ripley Monday – Friday between 7:30 am and 5 pm. Parents who are interested in coaching or becoming a board member and businesses and community members interested in sponsoring players, field costs, or equipment upgrades may contact Margie or Tommy James at 662-512-0219.
