15 February, 2012
Last night the Hopkinton Parks & Recreation Commissioners gave the OK to form a new football program. Open to residents of both Hopkinton and Ashland for children currently in 1st through 7th grade (2nd through 8th grade in Fall of 2012).
“Adding a football program into our current offerings allows us to continue to provide and promote high quality recreational experiences to the community and fully utilize some of the outstanding facilities we’ve developed over the last few years,” stated Ken Driscoll, Chairman of the Parks & Recreation Commission.
The Hopkinton and Ashland program will be joining the American Youth Football Association (AYF), the largest youth football organization in the U.S. A National Youth Partner of the NFL, AYF provides support services, academic scholarships, grants, "Giving Back" programs and tournaments to more than 500,000 youth members. AYF is the only youth football program with members in all 50 states and several countries worldwide. AYF is committed to Giving Back and has donated more than $14 million dollars in grants and product to communities that support youth football.
AYF offers all-inclusive football and cheer divisions to every team and league, enabling every child a place to play.
According to Mike Preite, the Director of Parks & Recreation, “This inclusive approach of allowing everyone to participate is precisely the reason AYF is right for us at this time.”
The Hopkinton & Ashland Team will be playing in the Central Mass. Youth Football & Cheering Conference, made up of surrounding towns in Metrowest area. On-line registration will be held starting February 16th and ending March 9th.
For more information about the new football program, contact Mike Preite at the Hopkinton Parks and Recreation Office at 508-497-9750 on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 10am to 1PM, or via email at Mikep@hopkinton.org, or visit the Hopkinton Ashland AYF website.
