To all of our East Manatee Youth Football Association Family,

It has been a busy year and the season has only just begun.  In addition to our normal board duties, we added in a new building to enhance our facility.  The new building is a serious upgrade to what we used to work out of.  Not only will it have a concession, meeting room, and offices, like the trailer had, it also has a merchandise shop, storage room, and bath rooms.  With all of that, the best addition in the building might be the deck.  The deck will not only serve as a place to get out of the sun, but a much needed place to get out of inclement weather. While we are at it, there are other upgrades in the works.  Concrete pads outside each sides of the press box.  A side walk going from the building to the parking lot.  All of this will enhance the functionality and appearance of the facility.

Not to stop there, we are currently working with the county to resolve the field condition issue.  As you know from last year and this year, mother nature saves the rain for August and east of the interstate.  Don’t be surprised next year if there is a dry retention area at the north east corner of the property to handle the water.  We were also able with the county’s help to use more grass area (at the PW and JM area) and give a little more breathing room to each team.  We also hope to be able to expand the area of useable grass by where the Midget team is next year.

Another possible facility improvement for next year is replacing the windows in the press box.  Changing the window configuration and making them impact, not only allows for easier use of the press box, but also makes the glass hurricane resistant.  Also don’t be surprised to see some landscaping pop up next year around the building as well.

A big difference this year from last year is the quality of yearbook available from years past.  This may sound like a little thing, but the board felt it important to improve the quality of memory that each player, cheerleader, and parent walks away with and can enjoy in the future.

My personal thanks goes out to all of the board members that make this league happen by devoting themselves year round to the cause.  No league can function without volunteers to run it.  With that being said, every year people graduate out of the system, move out of the area, etc. and there needs to be people to step in and take their place.  This is your opportunity to make a difference no only in your child’s life, but also in the lives of many others.

Take the time to get the fullest out of being a part of the league. We do not want this to be just another thing your child does, we want this to be an opportunity to build friendships not only between kids, but also between the parents and families.  Many of my closest friends were found out here and being a part of the league has also allowed me to watch other families form strong bonds as well. We have worked hard and will continue doing so, to make the experience for each and every family as positive as it can be.  The amount of enjoyment and fulfillment your family experiences is up to you and what you want out of it.

My thanks to all of the returning families as well as welcoming all of the new families this year.  If everything goes as well as the preseason, jamboree, and first week, I think everyone will leave at the end of the season with having a positive and rewarding experience.

Kendall Brown
EMYFA President