About

About (12)

This is Where it All Started

Mission and Vision

Richard Schreibstein

Chad Scott

JB Brown

N. Michael Anderson

GYFL Headquarters Structure

How It Works

Westlake Bulldogs are All In

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GYFL Headlines

Montgomery Village visits the State Capitol : GYFL Alumni Daqwan Hill, Travon Diggs and Travon Stott of the Montgomery Village 14U team were invited to Annapolis to meet the State L...

FBU MD State All Stars : GYFL Alumni Lorenzo "Lo Lo" Harrison, Ramar Williams, Korey Carter, Navon Pince, Richard Merritt, RJ Rountree, Lawrence Mack, Malik Lew...

All Star Ellison Jordan : GYFL All Star Ellison Jordan was dominant in the Junior Rank 8th grade All American game in Phoenix, AZ in January.

Welcome NEW Teams! : We are pleased to announce new GYFL All-Star teams in Howard County, Charles County, and Prince William County! Please help us WELCOME ...

Success : "When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, that's when you will be successful".......Eric Thomas

GYFL Goes Off at VTO : It was a great day for Grassroots Youth Football. The prestigious VTO Elite 100 Junior Day took place at Highland Springs HS ...

GYFL Season 3 Opener : GYFL Season Opener is Scheduled for May 12 @ Bishop McNamara High School! See schedule for complete list of games and times. ...

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Tuesday, 03 April 2012 23:51

Published in About Written by Mike Anderson

From the President and Founder of the GYFL

My dad exposed me to every sport at a very young age and I began to excel at all of them quickly. I remenber the day the cement truck pulled up to our house and broke the fence to our back yard as it backed it's way deep into the yard to lay the foundation for the basketball court my father bought for me. He spared no expense. I had the fiberglass backboard, a regulation 10 foot basket, and the cement was laid at the perfect angle so the water could roll off more easily when it rained. If they had a 3 point line back then, I am quite sure he would have put one in for me. That is the way he was. But, nothing could compare to his passion for that football.

I remember when he bought me the Johnny Bench “Batter Up” machine and we put that in the back yard. The machine was based in cement also so it was sturdy. There was a pole that came out of the cement, which was about 5 ft high. There was an actual baseball attached to an arm that was connected to the top of the pole with think rubber bands. As I would take a home run swing and hit the ball, the arm would wrap around the pole numerous times and the rubber band would get tighter and tighter until it reached the limit. Then the arm would swing back in the other direction at a rapid pace, replicating a fastball and I would take another whack. It was great for hand eye coordination and helped me become a very good hitter. My dad and I enjoyed baseball, but again, nothing could compare to his passion for football.

My house was like the Capital Heights recreation center. All the kids from the neighborhood congregated at my house to play basketball, hit that Johnny Bench batter up, or participate in our favorite pastime, which was playing some football. My dad would line us up at the wide receiver position and have us run routes with precision. “Give me a 10 yard come back,” he would yell. “Run a 15 yard post,” or “Flatten out that crossing route, son!” He taught me how to play the running back position when I was 5 years old. By the time I was old enough to play organized ball, I had the advantage because I had already mastered the 3-point stance, I knew the proper way to take a hand off with my inside arm up. I knew what an open step and a chop block was.

My dad showed me how to not only read blocks, but also how to set them up. It was no coincidence that I became a 2 time All Met performer at DeMatha in the mid 80’s. I was prepared when I got there because of what my father taught me at a young age and the decisions that he made for me with regard to which programs I would play for and who I would be coached by. My dad was a scientist who choreographed my entire career. He dreamt about it. He visualized it. He prepared me for it. He designed it. It is because of the decisions that my father made and sacrifices that both he and my mother made that the Grassroots Youth Football League was birthed. I dream of my staff and I being able to do the same things for the youth that participate in the GYFL that my father did for me.

When I was old enough to play organized ball, my father researched all the top youth programs in the area. My first experience on the football field was playing for Millwood under Mr. Earl Davis. This was the mid 70’s, when the Steelers were winning Super Bowls left and right. I chose a Steelers helmet. We bought Riddell football cleats, elbow pads, a mouthpiece and all the accessories. Man, was I ready for the first day of football practice. My dad took me of course. Many of the other kids rode their bikes to practice, or walked. I think I might have been the only one who actually had football cleats for the first day of practice. The other kids were looking at me like I was crazy.

It didn’t really matter to me that though, because on the field I thought I was as good as any of them. But, these kids were a year or two older than I was so at times there was an intimidation factor. There was one kid in particular that was really good. His name was Quinton Boardley. Quinton was the man for Millwood before I got there. He was two years older than I was but was very skinny. I probably weighed more than he did. I guess we were cool, but I never got the feeling he or many of the other kids liked me very much, initially.

It was obvious from day one that Quinton was going to have to share the spotlight, and I don’t think he or any of the other kids liked the fact that this little 8 year old was the one taking it away. But, what could I do? I wasn’t going to downplay my talent because of them. It wasn’t my fault if their fathers hadn’t prepared them the way mine prepared me. From day one on the football field I knew that I was good. My father gave me that confidence. I was faster, quicker, and smarter than most of them. While my teammates were struggling with the playbook, I had already mastered it as well.

My first year playing football turned out to be a glimpse at a future that would be filled with success on the gridiron. I started at halfback and led the team in yards and touchdowns. I won my first MVP trophy that year, but it wouldn’t be the last. I will never forget that first year playing organized football. It was one thing to dominate in the front yard, but it was another to do it in the Pop Warner League with the cheer of the crowd in the background.

The next year my father decided to move me over to Peppermill Village Boys and Girls Club. We were the Peppermill Village Pirates and we wore green and white uniforms. Peppermill played football in what was considered to be one of the best leagues in the state of Maryland, the Beltway League. The Beltway League used to play its championship game on television every year and remember sitting by the TV watching the games and dreaming about playing in it one day.

Well, my dad knew about the importance of exposure and before I knew it, I was suiting up for the green and white to play on the 75-pound team. I was 9 and again, most of the kids were 10 and 11. Since I didn’t live in Peppermill Village I didn’t know any of the kids and they didn’t accept me to well, initially. My next-door neighbor Mr. Clarence Harrison was my coach. I don’t believe that you had to live in Peppermill to coach there, but you were supposed to live there to play. But, Mr. Harrison had just taken over and he had seen my exploits in the front yard for a couple of years. He wasn’t about to let me getaway. So, we did what we needed to do. I played for many great coaches over the years, but I considered Mr. Harrison was my first great one, after my father of course.

As I said, the kids didn’t accept me at first. I would come in contact with my first bit of athletic adversity when I decided to go play for Peppermill. Coach Harrison was new to the program too, and they had their own pecking order established. Mr. Harrison told me about it before I even met the players for the first time.

The first day of practice was scary. I will never forget Mr. Harrison telling me to make sure to be ready to go because they had a running back last year that was fast as lightning and they called him the “Juice.” He wore #32 after the original “Juice” O.J. Simpson. Man, those Peppermill dudes had it going on back then. They had the neighborhood and the running back positions on lock down.

I had to prove myself once again. At first I was a little intimidated. It wasn’t like Millwood on the first day of practice. These brothers had cleats just like I did, and they were white ones too. Greg was wearing a pair of Spot Built cleats, just like O.J Simpson used to wear. I was upset because I wanted a pair of Hook Stars like my idol Tony Dorsett, but I couldn’t find them in the stores. Plus, I couldn't get my favorite number, which was 33 because it was already spoken for. I was wearing some brand new Puma’s, and they were tight. But, they weren’t the Hook Stars. I figured they Peppermill kids had the advantage over me. They were from the neighborhood, they had already played in the program before, they had established reputations, they were older, and they were good. I am not going to lie to you. I was scared. But, my pops wasn’t having any of that.

He didn’t care who they were or how good they thought they were. In his opinion, nobody was better than me. He drilled that into me and I believed it. By the time the first game came, “Juice” and I were sharing the backfield and the touchdowns together and I was getting it done. I had won again. I may not have gotten my number, but I was the starting running back. I led the team in rushing and touchdowns and we almost made it to the championship game. 23 cross buck, Coach Harrison. I will never forget.

I remember the first Turkey Bowl game that we had. I rushed for like 3 touchdowns and didn’t get the MVP trophy for the game. My mother and father were pissed and I was a little disappointed. I would begin to learn many political lessons during my sports career. This was just he first. I had come into a new environment and I was an outsider to some extent. I stayed with Peppermill throughout my Boys Club Football career. We won championships at 85lb. and 105lb. I got to play on TV and I won my MVP trophies. Mr. Harrison and Rod Turner taught us and stayed with us throughout our Boys Club years and we went out on top. I was a full-fledged winner.

The next big decision that my father made for me was the selection of a high school. Just as with the youth league selection, my dad did his homework. Back in those days, we played 3 sports year around. Kids didn’t specialize like they do now. There was no AAU so the best athletes played club football, basketball, and baseball. I was dominant in all 3 sports, but football was what my size was best suited for. After thorough research, my father decided that DeMatha Catholic High School provided the best combination of football, basketball, and academics, so against my wishes, he forced me to go to that All Boys Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland in 1981.

I was some kind of upset. I didn’t want to an All Boys School and have to wear button up shirt, tie, and blazer every day. Are you kidding me? Those were the days of IZOD Lacoste (the alligator), and I was the fashion plate of Walker Mill Junior High School. Fortunately for me, my father could care less. He was not about to let a 14 year old kid make a decision that would impact the rest of his life. He knew I wasn’t knowledgeable about life in general to make a decision as important as that and he didn’t give me the option. Thank God for my father. He sent me to DeMatha and forced me to go out for Varsity Football my freshman year.

DeMatha had some of the best high school football players in the region back then, as they still do now. I was so afraid to go out and play against those big guys, but my father knew I was ready to compete, even if I didn’t know it. He networked like crazy with the coach (Jerry Franks at the time.). He prepared me all summer, and when I went out there for practice I shocked all of those guys with my courage, talent, and ability. I put my name on the radar screen at DeMatha during those 2 weeks of 2 a day practices and my life would never be the same.

I didn’t initially make the varsity because we had an All-American tailback who played in the NFL for many years named Steve Smith, we have an electrifying runner named Kevin Ford behind him, and elusive, powerful and slick running back named Mo Bowie backing both of them up. Either one of those guys could have started. So, they moved me down to the freshman team so that I could play and get experience. What I was able to do against kids my own age was frightening and before the end of the season, I was moved up to the Varsity team.

The rest is pretty much history. During my sophomore year, I was a significant member of the 1982 DeMatha squad that won the first ever WCAC Championship in Bill McGregor’s first year as a head coach. During my junior year I was the centerpiece of a team that lost in a heartbreaker to arch rival Carroll High School in the Championship Game, but had a dream season. I was the only junior to make the 1st Team All Met that year and was selected as the Offensive Player of the Year. My senior year was a coronation. I was once again an All Met performer and All American. More importantly, we had DeMatha’s very first undefeated season and 10-0, and we won the second WCAC Championship. I was able to parlay that opportunity into scholarship offers from major Division 1 schools from all over the country. I accepted a full scholarship to the University of Maryland where I played 4 years of football and 1 year of basketball, all while battling leukemia (a story for another article).

I was able to take the God-given talent and turn it into a free college education and an opportunity to network with successful people that have opened doors for me since I left college. I have my Peppermill Village to thank for that. I have DeMatha to thank for that. I have the University of Maryland to thank for that.

More importantly, I have my father to thank for that. As I said before, he dreamt about his son’s future. He visualized how it would play out. He prepared me for that future. He strategized, choreographed it, and made all of his and my dreams for me a reality. Although the GYFL’s business model began development in 2007, the spirit of the Grassroots Youth Football League was birthed in the Mind of my dad in 1967.

This league is my father’s brainchild and I dedicate the GYFL to my late father, Mr. Norman Anderson. Norman Anderson passed away on July 1, 2011. It was the Friday before the Championship Game. I dedicated the Trophy to my fathers memory and every Championship Team from now on will play for the Norman Anderson Memorial Trophy.

Rest in Peace Dad. I love you man. I will continue your legacy and make sure they NEVER FORGET YOUR NAME. See you when I get there.

Mike

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Tuesday, 03 April 2012 23:42

Published in About Written by Mike Anderson

Our mission is to produce and nurture exceptional, elite student athletes through the creation of a world-class football league, training program, and academic program. We hope to achieve our mission through successful execution of the Grassroots Youth Football League (GYFL) and the Grassroots Youth Mentoring Foundation (GYM).

Through our collective partnerships in the communities we serve, the GYFL is committed to creating well-rounded students, with an emphasis on athletes who are prepared for successful transitions into life after sports, as well as role models and future leaders who understand and believe in the importance of character and integrity.

Our vision is to be seen as the pre-imminent creator in the area of elite athletes prepared athletically for the rigors of high school and college football, and academically to meet all scholastic challenges.

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Tuesday, 03 April 2012 23:13

Published in About Written by Mike Anderson

General Counsel of the GYFL

Richard B. Schreibstein has been in private practice since becoming a member of the Maryland Bar in 1974. After practicing in a law firm environment for his entire career, both in small and large firms in Baltimore and Towson, Mr. Schreibstein established his own firm in October, 2002. His office is now located in Columbia, Maryland. The firm’s practice concentrates on advising clients on general business matters, real estate transactions, hotel acquisitions, and commercial transactions.

Specifically, Mr. Schreibstein represents clients in a wide variety of businesses, including private schools, physicians, attorneys and other professionals, the hospitality industry, the health and fitness industry, and the automobile industry. Mr. Schreibstein d is a member of both the Maryland and District of Columbia Bars, and is admitted to practice before the Federal courts in Maryland and the District of Columbia, the United States Supreme Court and the United States Tax Court.

He can be reached at 10480 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 800, Columbia, Maryland 21044, and on the Internet at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Tuesday, 03 April 2012 23:13

Published in About Written by Mike Anderson

Vice President of the GYFL (Partner)

Chad Oliver Scott was born on September 6, 1974 in Capitol Heights, Md. He was a two-time team captain at Suitland (Md.) High, where he competed as defensive back and running back. He had 74 tackles and rushed for 624 yards as a senior. Chad also lettered once in track, competing on the 4x100-meter relay team.

Chad played his first two years of his college career with Towson State, then transferred to Maryland for his final two seasons. He played in 42 games with 31 starts. He had a 22.1-yard average on 49 career kick returns. In his senior year (1996), Chad earned first-team All-ACC honors as left cornerback, recorded 60 tackles (37 solo), three sacks and five interceptions. In his junior year (1995), he started 10 games at left cornerback in first season with Terps. He led the squad with 10 deflected passes and also had three interceptions. Chad was a kinesiological science major at Maryland.

He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round (24th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft, where he played until he was signed by the Patriots as a veteran free agent on April 26, 2005. Chad earned the Steelers' Joe Greene Award as the Rookie of the Year. He was selected to the Associated Press All-Rookie team. He played in 13 games and started in nine. He finished the season with 47 total tackles (45 solo) and two interceptions. He also had three pass defenses and a fumble recovery. Chad started the first two games of the season at right cornerback and the final seven regular-season contests at either right or left corner.

Chad is a devoted father who loves children and believes firmly that his involvement with the GYFL will provide a platform for him to give back to the youth of today, much was what was given to him when he was that age.

Career Stats:

Position: DB
Height: 6-1 Weight: 205 lbs.

Born: September 6, 1974 in Capitol Heights, MD (Age 37)
College: Towson St., Maryland (school history)
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1st round (24th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft.

Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 42 (2041st overall since 1950)

Defense & Fumbles

								Def Interceptions					Fumbles					Tackles
Year	Age	Tm	Pos	No.	G	GS	Sk	Int	Yds	TD	Lng	PD	FF	Fmb	FR	Yds	TD	Tkl	Ast	Sfty	AV
1997	23	PIT	rcb	30	13	9		2	-4	0	0	0						45	2		3
1999	25	PIT	LCB	30	13	12		1	16	0	16	0						49	1		6
2000	26	PIT	LCB	30	16	16		5	49	0	33	0	0	0	2	6	0	64	6		9
2001	27	PIT	LCB	30	15	15		5	204	2	62	19						71	9		9
2002	28	PIT	LCB	30	15	15		2	30	1	30	16						66	17		7
2003	29	PIT	LCB	30	12	12		3	50	1	26	9	1	0	0	0	0	44	12		6
2004	30	PIT	lcb	30	7	7		1	23	0	23	7						27	2		3
2005	31	NWE		30	3	0												5	0		0
2006	32	NWE	lcb	30	14	9		2	32	0	32	4						37	9		6
Career					108	95		21	400	4	62	55	1	0	2	6	0	408	58		49
7 yrs		PIT			91	86		19	368	4	62	51	1	0	2	6	0	366	49		43
2 yrs		NWE			17	9		2	32	0	32	4						42	9		6

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Tuesday, 03 April 2012 23:12

Published in About Written by Mike Anderson

Vice President of the GYFL (Partner)

JB Brown also grew up in the suburbs of the Nation’s Capitol, Washington, DC. He was raised in Fort Washington, Maryland by hard working, middle class parents who instilled the following motto in him, “Victory belongs to the most persevering.” His life has been an example how humble beginnings can evolve into amazing blessings when one chooses to persevere and never, ever give up on their dreams.

JB was one of the best athletes to come out of the Washington Metropolitan area in the mid 80’s. When he arrived at DeMatha Catholic High school in the fall of 82’, he was another in a long list of outstanding boy’s club athletes who attended the school with dreams of being the Next Great DeMatha star. He was a tremendous football and basketball player when he arrived, but was cut from the varsity basketball team his junior year, which was a devastating blow to such an accomplished athlete.

He leaned on what his parents had instilled in him and didn't give up on his dreams and quit. He put his focus on football and before he graduated, he became one of the most highly recruited football players ever to play for DeMatha. He left DeMatha as an All-Met Defensive Back and a 3 year letterman in football and track. He was the key member of the record setting 4x100 meter relay team as a senior.

JB accepted a football scholarship to the University of Maryland and with intense preparation and perseverance, he was one of only 3 recruits to make the traveling squad and play as a freshman. He played for the legendary coach Bobby Ross and made his mark with an impressive and highly memorable career at Maryland as a starter for 3 years.

In the 1989 NFL Draft, he wasn’t selected until the 12th Round by the Miami Dolphins; a selection that rarely resulted in permanent placement on an NFL Roster during that time. Fortunately for JB, the league wasn’t accustomed to such unique talent. Not only did he beat the odds and make the roster, he went on to start at cornerback for 6 of his 8 years in Miami. JB's career expanded 12 years before he retired in 2000. He completed his career playing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, and the Detroit Lions for his final 2 seasons.

JB always took being a role model seriously when he was a professional athlete. Throughout his career, he made it a priority to speak to kids on his days off about the importance of the core qualities of respect, hard work, and discipline in their lives. He is one of the Co-Founders of the GYFL and his role allows him to share the lessons that he has learned to the next group of young athletes. He is married to Renee Brown and they have 4 beautiful kids, Leia, Michael, Janae, and L.J. They currently reside in Bowie, Md.

Career Stats

Position: DB
Height: 6-0 Weight: 193 lbs.

Born:January 5, 1967 in Washington, DC (Age 45)
College:Maryland (school history)
Drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 12th round (315th overall) of the 1989 NFL Draft.

Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 37 (2478th overall since 1950)

Defense & Fumbles

								Def Interceptions					Fumbles					Tackles
Year	Age	Tm	Pos	No.	G	GS	Sk	Int	Yds	TD	Lng	PD	FF	Fmb	FR	Yds	TD	Tkl	Ast	Sfty	AV
1989	22	MIA		37	16	0												9	0		1
1990	23	MIA	RCB	37	16	16	1.0											48	0		7
1991	24	MIA	RCB	37	15	11		1	0	0	0	0						55	0		4
1992	25	MIA	RCB	37	16	16		4	119	1	48	0	0	0	1	0	0	56	0		7
1993	26	MIA	RCB	37	16	16		5	43	0	29	0	1	1	0	0	0	72	0		7
1994	27	MIA	RCB	37	16	16		3	82	0	38	0	1	0	0	0	0	66	10		6
1995	28	MIA	RCB	37	13	12		2	20	0	20	0	2	1	2	0	0	44	3		5
1996	29	MIA	db	37	14	1		1	29	0	29	0	1	0	0	0	0	14	0		1
1997	30	PIT		27	13	0												5	0		1
1998	31	ARI	RCB	26	15	6							0	0	1	0	0	27	7		3
1999	32	DET	db	31	13	3												27	3		2
2000	33	DET		27	3	0												3	1		0
Career					166	97	1.0	16	293	1	48	0	5	2	4	0	0	426	24		44
8 yrs		MIA			122	88	1.0	16	293	1	48	0	5	2	3	0	0	364	13		38
1 yr		ARI			15	6							0	0	1	0	0	27	7		3

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Tuesday, 03 April 2012 23:03

Published in About Written by Mike Anderson

President of the GYFL (Partner)

Michael Anderson grew up in the suburbs of Washington DC. At an early age he was taught a very important lesson by his parents. The lesson was, “Demand more from yourself than anyone can ever expect of you.” He took that lesson to heart and began to excel in athletics and academics.

By the time he graduated DeMatha High School in 1985 he was another in a long list of decorated student athletes. He was an All-American running back and two-time All-Met performer, garnering the prestigious award of Offensive Player of the Year by the Washington Post after only his junior year. He played on the basketball team for 3 years, being on a National Championship team as a junior. He ran track for 2 years and was a member of a record setting 4x100 meter relay team as a senior. He was also V.P. of the National Honor Society and an Academic All-American.

Mike accepted a football scholarship to the University of Maryland where his career and life were almost cut short in their prime. At the promising age of 20, he was diagnosed with Chronic Mylogeounous Leukemia and was told with no equivocation that he would never play football again and might not live to see his 21st birthday. Without question, God had different plans for Mike. Not only did he survive and return to play 2 more years of football, he also played on Maryland’s basketball team during his senior year.

The struggles he faced and the achievments he accomplished, as a result of overcoming his ordeal, were recognized through numerous awards. The Brain Piccolo Comeback Player of the Year Award for the ACC and the Ed Block Symbol of Courage Award were only a couple of the awards that he was blessed to receive.

After college, Mike was introduced to the Sports and Entertainment business by Len Elmore. His professional contributions were one of the main reasons behind the success of Precept Sports & Entertainment in the 1990’s. He recruited and managed pro athletes like Walt Williams (#7 pick in the 1992 NBA Draft), Joe Smith (#1 pick in the 1995 draft), and Randolph Childress (#20 pick in the 1995 NBA Draft) just to name a few.

Mike is a mentor to young people and truly believes that his main purpose and mission for being on this earth is to be a positive and motivating force if the lives of young people. Since he has such a passion for mentoring youth and such a broad history in athletics, it is a no-brainer for him to be intimately involved in the development of the Grassroots Youth Football League.

Mike is a graduate of the University of Maryland, with a degree in communications. He is married to the most amazing woman that God ever created, Tonya. They have a daughter Tamya who is truly an angel. They reside in Upper Marlboro, Md.

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Tuesday, 03 April 2012 22:57

Published in About Written by Mike Anderson

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Tuesday, 03 April 2012 16:32

Published in About Written by Mike Anderson

The Grassroots Youth Football League concept is unique in nature and works a bit differently than most youth football leagues. We would like to take a moment to walk you through the process so that you will understand exactly how the process works.

Grassroots provides a number of activities and programs. We offer the 11 on 11 contact football league for middle school age kids, which is played in the spring and summer (April - July). Prospects must be between 12 - 15 years of age, and in the 6th - 8th grade to be eligible to play.

We offer combines/mini-camps during the month of March that serve as showcases for ages 7 - 15. The combines also serve as the initial try-outs for the spring league. They offer opportunities to be coached by and recruited by some of the top High School Coaches in the area.

We also offer training sessions to prepare youth for the combines and/or prepare them for the spring/summer season or fall football season. The initial training begins in January and runs through March. They are called conditioning clinics and are designed to prepare the athletes to excel at the combines. During April through July, we offer both Speed, Strength and Agility training, as well as Positional Skills Training through a network of certified trainers and coaches.

All three programs work together for the overall development of the athlete, but they can also operate independently. By that I mean that it is possible for a 13 year old athlete to focus only on training with us from January to July if the focus is just to get better as an athlete and football player.

In addition, it is possible for a 10 year old who is not old enough to be eligible to play in the league, to take advantage of the conditioning clinics in January - March, then attend a combine/mini-camp in March, where he has a chance to showcase his talents and compare himself against kids his age from his region and other regions.

It is also possible for a 13 year old to train January - March, attend a combine in march, try out for the all star team in his region in April, then play in the season from May - July. The combinations of numerous, but an athlete can participate in 1, 2, or all 3 of the programs.

Once we get out of March, the conditining clinics and combines are over and we transition into GYFL Season mode.

As far as the spring football league goes, try-outs will begin in April in most regions, late March in some. Each regional GM and Coaching Staff has the option to schedule practices as they see fit and once the season starts, they all operate similar to individual youth clubs or high school teams who play in the GYFL.

For the 2012 season, athletes may still try out for their regional teams whether they have attended a combine or not. The combine benefits are endless, but we will not go into detail with those benefits on this page. There is a separate tab for combines that will go into great detail about the benefits. But, for 2012, they were recommended and not mandatory. Therefore, prospects still have the opportunity to try out for their regional teams.

The GYFL runs similar to the NFL in many ways, particularly with regards to roster spots. Just as the NFL allows teams to sign players at any point in the season, the GYFL keeps the rosters open until the midway point in the season, which means that technically a prospect will have the opportunity to try out for a team up until the 5th week if the team has roster spots available.

Some teams to active squads and practice squads, but each team has the flexibility to run their program the way they see fit. Contact the individual GM's and coaches on the All Star Team Pages to find out the process for the different regions.

For 2012, there are 10 different regional teams. We have the Baltimore Metro Stallions, the Charles County Heat, the District of Columbia Warriors, the Fairfax County Colts, the Howard County Stars, the Loudoun County Eagles, the Montgomery County Bearcats, the Prince George's County Swarm, the Prince William County Lions, and the Southern MD Wildcats.

Try out take place and teams begin to be formed during the month of April. Refer to each individual Team Page for the information regarding when and where they will practice.

After try outs and practices, the teams will be selected and season play begins in may 2012 each year. Regular Season runs from May - June, with playoffs and a championship game in July. For 2013, a Super Star Game is in the works to be played 1 week after the championship.

While the season is going on for the players that made the teams, practice will take place 3 days per week. Positional Skills Training Sessions and Speed, Strength and Agility Traininig will be taking place at least 2 times per week. That leaves a couple of days available for those that are playing in the season to work on additioinal training if they choose to.

For those that don't make a team because they are not age eligible, or they were not big enough, fast enough, strong enough, or skilled enough, the months of April - July provide a great opportunity to focus on the training necessary to improve as a football player and be prepared to have a successful season in the fall.

Once the season is over, athletes will have a short break before reporting to their youth clubs or high schools for the fall seasons. After the fall season ends in November/December, athletes will take another short break before Grassroots begins in January with conditioning clinic sessions designed to get them in shape for the next Grassroots season. The process starts all over again.

For athletes that played in Grassroots as a 7th grader, they have another opportunity to come back and play during their 8th grade year. The athletes that played initially a 8th graders will be in high school and will have been much better prepared to be ready to play as a 9th grader.

Thanks,

GYFL

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Thursday, 26 January 2012 02:25

President
Director of League Affairs
(Mike Anderson)
University of Maryland RB
85' - 90'

Vice President
Director of Football Training
(JB Brown)
12 Year NFL Veteran
12 Round Pick 89'

Vice President
Director of Skills Training
(Chad Scott)
11 Year NFL Veteran
1st Round Pick 97'

General Counsel
(Richard Schreibstein)

League Commissioner
(Rick "Doc" Walker)
9 Year NFL Veteran
Redskin Legend

Director of Information
Technology
(Ken Harris)

Director of Business
Affairs
(Tonya Anderson)

Director of Game Day
Logistics
(Lavon Williams)
Virginia Union
90' - 94'

Published in About Written by Administrator

The mighty Westlake organization from Southern Maryland led by commissioner Terrance Byrd has agreed to join forces with Grassroots to bring their talents to the 2012 season. Welcome Bulldogs!

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