President's Message
by American Youth Football President, Joe Galat
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Harvest time for whom?
The leaves are falling and the days are shorter. The time to harvest is here. In the scriptures it is mentioned that "one should not harvest the entire crop. A good man will leave a perimeter for those who are in need." Even today Farmers are known to harvest fields except for an edge left by the roadside for travelers and the poor.
Wall Street glorifies the greedy in reports of bonuses and severance packages. Some traders harvest all they can get out of the naïve investor. But on Main Street the glory is seldom bestowed on those working the roadsides as Policemen, Fireman, Teachers or Emergency Rescue Responders.
American Youth Football contributes to the annual harvest of young athletes being molded into teams in High Schools, Universities, and the National Football League. Hundreds of thousands of fans never realize that the most critical stage of development for athletes is at the youth level. Not much of the harvest is left for grass roots folks. Do not be discouraged. Shakespeare said “act well your part for there all the honor lies”.
Hundreds of thousands of youth players share the values learned by playing football. American Youth Football continues to recognize the many great leaders dedicated to providing for youth. Along the sidelines are also great volunteers, coaches, team moms, concession workers, parents who drive their sons and daughters to practice, prepare late suppers, and give their sons and daughters emotional support. Take comfort in knowing your child is learning life social skills, and a solid work ethic.
AYF's mantra is "it's about the kids". AYF's motto is "complete the circle of giving back". I challenge all American Youth Football players and Cheerleaders to set and achieve their goals in the classroom, on the field, and in community projects. I would like to challenge all American Youth Football Coaches and Administrators to monitor the classroom and community goals with the same sense of urgency as the score of the game itself. In the long run developing community leaders will bring more rewards than producing a harvest of Pro Football Players.
Check out these past President's Messages articles:
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