Parents do the homework to take youth football program private

June 25, 2010
by Christine Yeres

On Monday, June 21, an ad hoc parent group met at New Castle Town Hall in Room A to formalize the by-laws, organizational mission statement and elect a first board of directors for the “New Castle Youth Football Association.”  Its goal is to transform the Rec Department-run recreational football program into a program run by parents—along the model of the town’s soccer, basketball, softball, baseball and lacrosse programs.

Phil Green presented a blueprint of the tasks ahead, then passed the meeting over to Jim Nottingham who asked for nominations from the floor for the various board positions.  The group settled on the following roster:

James Nottingham President
Karen Berkey Treasurer
Claudio Phillips Secretary
Betsy Phillips Registrar
Dan Papes VP Communications
Peter Zimmerman VP Coaching & Equipment
William Hriskonich VP Fields & Referees
Rob Bowen At-Large
Rich Glotzer At-Large
Phil Green At-Large
Richard Petrosa At-Large
Billy Schur At-Large
Burke St. John At-Large

Next, the group will take its case for going private to the Recreation Commission on July 15 for approval.  Yesterday, the Rec Commission changed the date of its next meeting from July 1 to July 15.  “Well, this was good news and bad news,” said Nottingham. “While the date change allows us more time to prepare for the Rec Commission meeting, it gives us less time to get in gear for the fall season.”  He added, “But I’m very optimistic that the Commission will give us the green light given our level of support and our ability to move the ball forward by getting all the requisite pieces in place. It’s very clear that the parents and community are fully behind our efforts.”

“The composition of this board is unparalleled in experience and knowledge regarding the game of football,” Nottingham pointed out.  “The mix is incredible.  We have parents of current players, coaches, parents of former players, past players – even a parent of young children – and the town’s football historian, Pete Zimmerman.  Plus we have a very strong bench.”

“We intend to provide a great football program,” Nottingham stated, “where safety, sportsmanship, fun and lots of playing time are the operative principles.  I’m honored to lead the impressive group of men and women of our community who represent the New Castle Youth Football Association.” 

For background, see “Previous Articles & Letters to the Editor in Response to “New Football Game in Town” in NCNOW’s archives.