Abingdon Youth Football seeks $20,000 for equipment and training; board previously funded helmets
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Summary
Abingdon Youth Football and Cheer asked the board for $20,000 to purchase training equipment (tackling and blocking sleds), support coach safety training and insurance; the speaker noted the program previously received funds for helmets and pads and reported strong enrollment growth.
Danny Murphy, president of Abingdon Youth Football and Cheer, requested $20,000 in county support for equipment, coach safety training and insurance. The organization previously received county funding that paid for replacement helmets and shoulder pads after inspectors found most equipment had reached expiration. Murphy said that helped enrollment nearly double last season and yielded competitive results in multiple age groups.
Murphy described ongoing needs beyond playing equipment: training apparatus (tackling and blocking sleds), certification and safety courses for coaches and higher insurance costs tied to contact sports. He acknowledged fundraising and community support but asked the board to consider the $20,000 request this year; he said he understood the county recommendation was likely $5,000.
During questions a board member asked about helmet expiration and refurbishment cycles; Murphy said helmets must be refurbished every two years and have an overall expiration of 10 years, creating recurring costs.
No vote was taken on the funding request; the organization’s request was presented during the budget public hearing and will be considered as the board finalizes the FY26 budget.
