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Westmoreland Youth Association asks county for fields, funding and support to revive youth football program
Summary
Representatives of the Westmoreland Youth Association told the board they need a dedicated field, stable leadership and financial help after years of decline and post‑COVID disruptions. They said equipment is stored at AT Johnson complex but that access and field use have become constrained.
Representatives of the Westmoreland Youth Association addressed the board April 14 asking for help reviving the county’s youth football program, including assistance finding a consistent field for practices and games and support for modest operating needs.
Fundraising chair Shontae Plummer and Vice President Brad Jones described the program’s history, noting organized youth football had been held for many years at the AT Johnson complex and that COVID and subsequent leadership problems led to a decline. Plummer said parents now shoulder increased costs for travel and league requirements, and described inconsistent practice conditions, including practices held without lighting. Jones said the association has historically fed players into the high‑school program and that the organization has invested in helmets and safety equipment that have limited useful lifespans.
Plummer said equipment remains stored under bleachers at AT Johnson but that access to the field for practices was curtailed about three years ago; the association now lacks a reliable, lit practice field. She asked the board and county staff to help identify field options and funding, noting parental and board members’ volunteer efforts and recent reorganization of the association.
Chairman Fisher and the county administrator responded that staff would meet with the association to explore field options and possible funding; the county administrator noted fields are in high demand for many programs but said staff will work to explore solutions. The board did not vote on any appropriation or commitment at the meeting but indicated willingness to consider the request as part of budget discussions and future staff work.
Ending: County staff agreed to follow up with the association to identify potential sites and possible short-term supports; no formal funding decision was made at the April meeting.
