Registration is still open for football until August 8

DIXON, CA (MPG) - “Umph!” and “oomph!” might normally be accompanied with groaning or discomfort but that wasn’t the case last week at the free football camp held at Hall Park by the Dixon Youth Football and Cheer organization. Dozens of exuberant and energetic children of all ages turned out for the last of two football training sessions and in time for the official season to begin.

“They had a ton of fun,” said one mother of three who has a child in each of three different divisions. “They said it was the hardest workout they have had in their lives but were so happy to start practicing. They slept good, too” she added.

The children were excited and the Board members were too.

“It was funny because you wouldn’t think the adults would be so excited but we skipped a year and it was surprising to see how much they’ve grown. We really missed it,” said Misty Dalton, who serves as Secretary on the Board.

Ultimately, about 175 youth from age 5 to 14 will be organized into Mighty Mights, Pee Wees, Junior Midgets, and Midgets and play weekly at Hall Park, practicing every night for three weeks straight before playing other teams three days a week after that.

The end zone may be important but the real goal is to expose the children to the fun of the game and give them some exercise. If they join the teams, they will have games every Saturday through October. Their playoffs and Championships are early November.

This non-profit organization has been around for more than 20 years and utilizes every parent in some way for running the program from coaching, manning the gates or snack bar, to inventorying equipment.

“We have parent volunteers for each division and each family volunteers eight hours,” said Dalton. “It’s per family so it’s not too hard for them,” she explained, adding that the coaches are full time volunteers.

“It is a commitment but I love it,” said first year parent Jesika Lindemann, mother of three. “They welcomed the kids and everyone got treated like family. I could not be more thrilled!”

It makes for great family bonding they say but also many of the students go on to play in their schools on junior varsity and varsity teams. Dalton started with her first daughter in cheer and that daughter is now 26. There have been five more children.

"l have a son who played Mighty Mights all the way through Midgets and who played high school his last two years and quarterbacking for the Dixon High School Junior Varsity Team. And, I have a mascot. She is three," she added.

Tyler Randall who has served as President for three years also grew up through the program, coached all levels for many years, and now has two sons following his lead.

“There are so many rewards,” said Dalton. “They learn when you’re working hard and playing for each other, it’s for your whole team. The coaches are amazing and it’s not just a sport to them but growing the kids as people. They ask how school is going and how you are doing. They’re not just there playing the sport. They invest in the children and their futures,” she added.

Registration for girls is only $100 but parents have the added cost of a cheer uniform which they keep. Cheer season is already closed because they have to order the uniforms. For future reference, Cheer usually opens early in the year and closes somewhere in June.

Registration is still open for football until August 8 on their website: DixonYFC.com. Cost is $275 for the season and includes the uniform but not including shoes and mouthguard. They also get a team picture. September 11 is the first official game.

For more information, see above website for contacts or see their Facebook page.