Warriors and Grid Kids Association Introduce Youth Indoor Football League
YAKIMA, Washington (December 16, 2009) – The Yakima Valley Warriors of the American Indoor Football Association are teaming with the Yakima Valley Grid Kids Association in the development of the Yakima Valley Warriors Youth Indoor Football League. The league will operate under YVGKA Policies and Guidelines, with teams being formed in the Yakima Valley region. The league will play under AIFA playing rules, with all games preceding Warriors' home games at the SunDome.

The youth league will have six teams in each division, with each team consisting of 25 players. The divisions will be formed by age, with 8-9 year olds in one division and 10-11 year olds in another. Each division will be limited to 150 players on a first-come basis.

"One of our main goals in the AIFA is to promote the positive values of the sport of football," said AIFA co-founder Michael Mink. "Youth involvement in the sport is a very positive aspect of it. We're so pleased that the YVGKA is involved in the creation of this youth indoor football league."

The first sign up will be this Sunday, December 20th, from 1-3pm at the YVGKA warehouse. Additional signups will take place at the warehouse on December 27th, January 3rd, January 10th and January 17th. Kids should bring a copy of their birth certificate. Participants are required to pay a fee of $85, with all uniforms and player equipment provided.Checks should be payable to the Yakima Valley Warriors. Physicals will be required before the 1st day of practice on March 15th.

This is a great idea to get community participation. Are there other AIFA teams doing this?

I think there are a few, not many. Maybe 2 or 3 other teams.

How has it worked for those other teams? Has it brought in fans for the AIFA games?

Not sure cause i havent seen it personally but one would think the parents & friends of the parents would come to see the kids play a 15 minute or so game. I am guessing they play at halftime, not sure.

I heard that the youth league games will be before the Warriors game

How are the signups going for Youth football? We never hear if they are actually signing up any kids. I know that they have a signup today and tomorrow with Coach Lance Brown and WR Drew Coplin signing autographs.