YMCA and Reading Express Team up for Youth Football League
January 6, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Reading Express News Release
Reading, Pa. (January 6, 2011) - The Reading Express indoor pro football team and the YMCA of Reading & Berks County are partnering to bring the indoor football experience to our youth by offering a full contact, tackle football league using the Reading Express indoor football rules. The new league will be known as Junior Express Football, powered by the YMCA.
The league will consist of two divisions, one for fourth- and fifth-graders and the other for sixth- and seventh-graders. The season runs February 14 to April 30. Teams will play six season games followed by a tournament game. Three games will be played on TRHMG Field in the Sovereign Center and four games will be played at select outside venues. There will also be a Parisi Speed School football challenge day at the Sinking Spring Family YMCA location.
"I have been looking forward to launching this program for some time," said Ted Lavender, owner of the Reading Express. "Giving opportunities for the youth in our area to become part of Reading Express has always been important to my vision for the Express and its mission. I could not be happier to be working with the YMCA, which has a long standing track record for running successful youth athletic programs."
For the YMCA, this partnership with the Reading Express marks another big step in the organization's effort to be the sports leader in Berks County.
"This is a very exciting time for the YMCA and we are thrilled about our partnership with the Reading Express and the launching of this premier youth football league," said Rusty Bahr, President & CEO of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County Association.
Several existing youth football organizations are supporting the new league with plans to field teams this spring. The league will be under the direction of Pete Rowley, program director of the YMCA's Parisi Speed School, with support from Reading Express Assistant General Manager/Head Coach Chris Thompson and other members of the Express coaching staff.
Reading Express Indoor Professional Football began play in 2006 in the Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa. In five seasons, the team has amassed an overall record of 64-20 with four playoff appearances, two conference titles and the 2009 AIFA National Championship. In 2011, Reading will begin play as a new member of the Indoor Football League.
For more information on Junior Express Football, powered by the YMCA, please visit www.expressindoorfootball.com/youthfootball.
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