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Growin’ Up Football!
Katy Youth Football League Leaves a Positive Impact on Children for Years to Come
© Katy Magazine - Katy, Texas
September 15, 2005
By Karen Jaggers
 Printer Friendly The crowd cheers as the running back races to the first down marker. Shiny-faced cheerleaders jump and
yell along the sidelines, their pom poms flying through the air. As the running back makes the touchdown, there’s hooting, hollering, and high-fives all around. Sounds like any other Katy area football game, right? Not quite – the
players in this game might be as young as 4 years old. The star athletes that Katy produces are not always born by pure chance or luck. Many of the athletes we cheer on
at those hometown football games have been playing the game for as long as they can remember. Katy Youth Football has been the foundation for many of the area’s finest athletes for more than 25 years. According the league, over
3,600 of KYF’s members have gone on to play high school football. Additionally, 800 players have gone on to play college football. It’s no wonder Katy has such a strong reputation for producing top quality athletes.
An Early Start on Football Fundamentals
Parents and students alike have great things to say about the football league
that’s made up of more than 55 teams with kids ranging in age from preschool through 6th grade. “KYF was a great experience for my son Max who has played in the league since he was four,” says Shawn Guarniere. “He
learned the basics of football, how to work as a team with all levels of athletes, and that he really likes to tackle people!” Players in KYF usually stay with their team through 6th grade and then transition easily
into junior high football, which begins in Katy ISD in the 7th grade. “If anyone is thinking about playing football – do it!” says 9 year old Nathan Adams.
“It looks like you would get hurt, but with all the pads on you are okay.” His mom Nancy Adams says Nathan has learned a lot about the game. “Even though everyone wants to win, the emphasis is on learning the fundamentals of the
game and everyone is encouraged to do their best.” Twelve-year-old Jarqiese Sims says his experience with KYF was fun, exciting and challenging. “I watched as many guys from different football teams came together as one, with one
goal in mind - - playing football. Next year, I will be playing Junior High football, but I will never forget my successful moments and the wonderful coaching I received though KYF”.
 Football through the Years
The teams are assigned so that kids from the same schools play together year after year
which helps to foster long-term friendships. “To me, KYF was more than just winning,” recalls Cullen Pebody, a former KYF player who now plays for Taylor High School. “Although it was nice going undefeated our sixth grade year,
what I most enjoyed was the time spent with my friends and coaches while still learning how to play the game effectively.” His friend Blake Peters agrees. “I had a lot of good memories playing KYF that I hope will last forever.
When I think of KYF, I remember the adrenaline and excitement was always there. There was not one moment when any player was not excited about playing football.” His teammate Chad Theis says “KYF was also a great way to make
friends. Most of my friends on my KYF team are the ones I still hang out with today”. Lifelong Friendships and Camaraderie
Austin Poynter, a sophomore football player at Taylor High School started playing youth football in 4th grade and has nothing but great memories to share. “When I first
started I was a little scared and didn’t know a lot about football. We learned a lot of things that helped us win,” recalls Poynter. “We learned that even though there were some great football players on the team, we had to work together on every play to win. We also learned great leadership from our coaches and to never give up no matter how bad the situation was.” Poynter says the friends he made those first few years on the field are still his
friends today. “I still use what I learned from all those years in KYF in the games I play at Taylor.”
Cheerleading Programs Too
Aside from football, KYF is also known for their very successful cheerleading program-- a popular activity for hundreds of girls across Katy. “Making new friends and doing the
dances at half-time are two of my favorite things about Katy Youth Football,” says cheerleader Cara Shear, age 10. “Win or lose we always have fun,” Her little sister Gracie, age 4, who is new to cheerleading adds “The football
players are going to make a touchdown. Us cheerleaders do high kicks!” The girls’ mother, Pat Shears, is happy that her daughters are enjoying their experience as KYF cheerleaders. “KYF gives every Katy girl an opportunity to be a
cheerleader with fun and positive memories.” Many KYF cheerleaders agree. Amanda Vandiver says “I was a KYF cheerleader for four years. I will never forget the friends I made, the plays I watched, and the wonderful overall
experience!” Positive Adult Role Models
The league relies on hundreds of
volunteers who devote countless hours to ensure the kids are enriched by their KYF experience. “Currently most KYF coaches are certified, and by next year, all will be,” says Coach Buddy Collins, a KYF volunteer and board member.
Many KYF volunteers agree that it’s not just the kids who benefit from their time in the league. “It has made me a better father and a better person at work,” admits Coach David McElmurray. “Let’s face it, if you can have some
type of measurable success working with a group of young players, it will indeed make you stronger as a leader on and off the field.” McElmurray also says it’s important as a community to provide positive adult role models for the
kids, which is exactly what KYF is all about.
To learn how you and your family can become involved in Katy Youth Football, visit
www.katyyouthfootball.com.
Karen Jaggers is a freelance writer and community volunteer.
She lives in Katy with her husband and two children.
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