Alyssa Ridenour
reporter@greenepublishing.com
On Wednesday, Nov. 25, David Plummer and Frankie Manor, with Madison County Youth Football, spent the afternoon manning the grill. The pair worked hard to prepare smoked Boston butts that were sold to raise funds for the football league. The funds will be used for administrative costs, equipment, etc. for the youth sports league.
The pair of youth football supporters were at Lanier Field bright and early, at around 4 a.m., to get the fire hot for the tasty treats. They managed to sell all the butts, which raised a great deal of much needed money for the league. Plans are being formulated to have the youth football season in the early summer.
Plummer places great emphasis on the kids and teaching them football in a healthy environment. "It's not about coaches reliving their glory days," said Plummer. "It's about the kids." Manor works closely with Plummer and expresses his love for the team’s and his desire to watch them grow and, one day, become Cowboys. He hopes to increase community involvement and fundraising. "My inspiration is the kids," said Manor. "I've been involved with youth sports since I was a kid, and I understand what teamwork builds in young men and women. I want to help them build social skills and become young leaders."
Previously, the dues to join the team were $80 and that only provided the young boys with a jersey. Plummer recently opted to raise the dues to $100 and provide all equipment, except cleats. In addition, the team has undergone a name change. Previously known as the Madison County Stars, the boys will now be the Madison County Colts, where they will go from a Colt, to a Bronco, then to a Cowboy. "We've kicked around names quite a bit," said Thompson. "But Colts seemed to fit best."
For more information about the league, please call (850) 273-6276. You may also email questions to madisoncountyyfl@gmail.com.