Youth Football Please Help

My name is Chrystal Music, and I wanted to thank you for your time. My husband's name is James Music and he is one of the coaches of our RS youth football teams in Rutherford, NC. The Head Coach is Keith Hines. Our team name is the Broncos. Our organization is RSYFCA, our web site is www.leaguelineup.com\rsyfca. The reason I am writing you is because our organization needs your help. We had several of our helmets and game pants stolen from us. These children are given practice pants that have holes all in the, and pads that barley fit. We get a game Jersey and pants, because our pants we stolen. We are using old pants and they have holes in them.

The practice fields we have are donated for our use during the season. Which we are very grateful for. The hole league has to share fields, and their isn't much room. We have no equipment to use.

Our game fields are the high school fields, but half the time they won't let us use them. Due to they are afraid we will mess them up. We have to pay $100 per game to use them, and clean up the trash from Friday night games, and of course our game trash on Saturday. I understand some of the reason for the high school, but what the coaches don't realize these kids our future and yours. If they don't have anything to look forward too, and our disappointed. Then why would they want to play ball if this is what they have to look forward too, except crime and drugs. Some of these kids have to ride their bicycles to practice and they don't live close. These children are 11 & 12 years old. Some don't even have cleats to wear. This town is dying and need these children to make it thrive. All the kids in the RSYFCA are very talented, but needs help showing it. Why would a child perform in holes and rags, while the team they are playing are in brand new uniforms.

We have two other youth leagues in our county one is Chase Youth League and the other is Forest City Youth League. Both teams have exceptional uniforms. Neither league has any problem using their high school field. Both leagues gets donations, but the Forest City League gets $41,000 for their team. We are all in the same county, and it is sad that we can't split that money.

My whole point is that we are asking for your help to see if you could donate anything; uniforms, equipment, or money to the kids of ours and your future. Please help and Thank You for your time. Please fill free to contact us James Music at 828-289-8993 or 828-527-7366, and Keith Hines at 828-286-3225 or 828-980-2248.

Sincerely,
RSYFCA and team mom of 11 & 12 year olds
Chrystal Music

 

i feel for you. i have been in the same situation but not as dire as yours is right now.

first, it seems like you have practice and game facilities. that is good. we have all picked up trash at the stadium. that comes with the territory. try to get your parents involved on game day. its not easy but every little bit helps.

second, money for equipment wont come easy but you can gain ground slowly. bite the bullet for a year or two until you can build a decent cash reserve. raising funds takes work. you could begin by issuing raffle tickets to players in lieu of asking for registration money. this gives the kids/parents an opportunity to seek donations from within the community. sometimes the coaches have to chip in. another "comes with the territory" thing. raffle tickets sales are also good at places like wal-mart or any other heavy traffic area. we held annual golf tournaments for fund raising. those went very well. seeking sponsorship from area businesses also helps. times may be tough right now but you would be surprised at the support you'll get from long time business people in your community. again, someone must be willing to put their feet to the ground to seek these funds.

third, leadership is a must. someone who has a good leadership skills will go along way in spending money wisely....and saving money for the future. stock piling equipment for the years to come will pay huge dividends when those practice pants wear out...as they do.

bottom line....you need good people, dedicated people who are willing to go that extra mile for the league. it wont work any other way.

good luck