By By Tim Cottrell
Building on the tribe's commitment to supporting the children of area communities, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians announced today the donation of $15,000 by the tribe's Creek Indian Enterprises and Poarch Creek Indian Gaming Board to support the organization of youth football teams. Teams will be formed in Excel, Uriah, Monroeville, Castleberry, Frisco City, and Poarch, and will join the Southwest Alabama Football League in September. Teams will range in age categories from five and six, seven and eight, nine and ten, and 11 and 12 year olds. This donation not only supports the formation of a football league from the ground up, but it also provides for needed gear and uniforms for each child as well as cheerleading squads to represent each team. "This donation allows tremendous expansion in these communities, and we are excited by this growth," said Tad McMullen, president of the Southwest Alabama Youth Football League. "We have restructured teams to include more age groups, so nearly any child who wants to play can participate."
"Making an investment in today's youth is a high priority for our tribe," said Fred McGhee, Tribal Chairman. "We understand the importance of promoting the well-being of children in our communities through both education and athletics, and we're proud to be involved in this program."
In addition to providing football teams for the youths of many surrounding communities, children of the tribe will now be ablee to participate and take pride in their own teams, which has been a long-term goal of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
"Now we will have year-round activities for our tribal youth, and an opportunity for our children to interact with other children in neighboring towns," said Rodney Exum, Wellness &Activities Director for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. "With the anticipated success of this first season, our hope for next year is that the leagues can travel to our community so we can host games on the reservation."
The Advance will provide further coverage of this huge announcement in upcoming issues.