By By Tim Cottrell
After the Poarch Band of Creek Indians chose to join the Southwest Alabama Youth Football League earlier this week, registration is now open for tribal members and children of tribal employees.
The PCI Gaming Board and Creek Indian Enterprises board chose to donate $15,000 to the tribe's Wellness &Activities Department to start up teams in four age groups (5-6, 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12-year-olds) and provide cheerleaders to represent each team.
Rodney Exum, Director of the Wellness &Activities Department, said registration was open for all qualified applicants.
"Right now we're taking applicants," he said. "Right now it's just open to tribal members and the children of employees. We are looking in the future at opening it to surrounding communities.
Exum said this year would be a bit of a trial run and depending on the success of the operation it could be opened to the community.
But the start of practice is fast approaching, so those wishing to play should contact the Wellness &Activities Department.
"We start practicing August 15," Exum said. "We're taking registration until August 10. Just stop by the gym with the Wellness &Activities Department Monday through Friday from 8-5. "
Poarch will be joining an existing league, and according to Exum will have to travel for all games this season.
"This year we'll travel only and we'll see how this year goes," he said. "Next year we'll see about making a little football complex or little stadium, but this year we will travel."
The Southwest Alabama Football League features teams in Excel, Uriah, Monroeville, Castleberry, Frisco City, and Poarch.