County and Southern Maryland program form Saint Mary’s County Youth Football League; Pax River Raiders remain in Calvert County

Recreation and Parks staff announced a partnership this month to form the Saint Mary’s County Youth Football League, a club-based league administered by the county with volunteer clubs organizing teams.

Arthur (Recreation and Parks staff) said the county had met with leadership of the Southern Maryland Youth Football Program and clarified earlier concerns raised by an email from Pat Murphy (league representative). "We were able to work through, I think, all of the issues and concerns," Arthur said.

The county said the new league will use a club model and anticipates participation from existing clubs including Mechanicsville, Hollywood and Lexington Park. A planning meeting with Southern Maryland football leadership was scheduled for Dec. 9 to begin next-year planning.

Pax River Raiders: Arthur recognized the Pax River Raiders and Chris Pickston for their work but said the Raiders have chosen to continue participating in the Calvert County–administered program. "The door remains open" for them to join the Saint Mary’s County league in the future, Arthur said. County staff said they will discuss setting a ceiling on the number of teams the Raiders can field in each age/weight division so both programs maintain viable competition and avoid one program monopolizing players.

Why it matters: The change creates a county-administered structure for youth football and shifts some administrative duties to Recreation and Parks staff (serving as league commissioners). Staff emphasized volunteer-run clubs will do registration, fundraising and team organization.

Next steps: County staff will meet with Pax River Raiders leadership to discuss maximum team limits per division and will continue outreach to existing clubs and volunteers.