Ballard Jets 2 - Jr.

The West Des Moines "Little Pro" Youth Football League, Incorporated, (WDMLPYFL. Inc.) is an independent, non-profit youth-based athletic organization governed by a board of directors and is not affiliated with any school district athletic program or city funded Parks and Recs. department. The League is funded exclusively with private funds and is a registered non-profit corporation within the State of Iowa in accordance with the provisions set forth in Chapter 504A of the Code of Iowa and Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The League was founded in the Spring of 2003 to promote the development and maintenance of a supervised, full contact, youth-based football program serving the communities of central Iowa. Although based in West Des Moines, Iowa, the League also sponsors and administrates programs from various communities in the central Iowa region. To accommodate the growth experienced in each of the first two seasons, the League established two Conferences for the Fall 2005 Season; the Metropolitan Conference and the Western Conference. As a result, 41 teams competed in the League with participants from such communities as West Des Moines, Des Moines, Waukee, Jefferson, Norwalk, Adel, Scranton, Carroll, Minburn, Urbandale, DeSoto, Johnston, Cumming, Clive and Pleasant Hill. West Des Moines participants played the majority of their games in West Des Moines, while outside communities played the majority of their games at shared venues located within their respective communities, many on their home town high school varsity fields. Unlike many other established youth based athletic organizations that adopt exclusionary provisions that restrict participation in programs to residents and youth within their specific communities, we embrace and support a philosophy that is just the opposite. We attempt to advocate, support and enhance any youth based football organization by building productive coalitions based on best practices standards, operational consistency and resource aggregation. We appreciate the important, healthy and satisfying role that structured athletic competition provides for the millions of youth who choose to participate in a variety of sports provided by youth leagues and programs across the country on a yearly basis. We subscribe to the belief that any time youth are provided with an opportunity to participate in structured athletic competition - it is a good thing and should be explored - regardless of where they live. To this end, we understand and recognize that we are in a position to assist communities outside of the immediate metropolitan area in the development and maintenance of their own programs. We welcome the possibility of providing assistance to any community that wishes to expand the opportunities currently available to their youth for athletic participation. If there is interest and support for starting a new program in your community, we can provide information and assistance relative to the following: Identifying and Establishing Program Prerequisites Development of an Implementation Plan Securing Playing Facilities Insurance Considerations Incorporation / Board Establishment Funding Community Information Meetings Player Registrations Selection of Coaches Team Organization Equipment Procurement Equipment Distribution Independent vs. League Affiliation Scheduling Logistics Practice Sessions Officiating Sponsors Community Relations Team Promotions The League assists communities in establishing programs that are independent, non-profit entities with the sole purpose of promoting and developing a youth based football program. The programs are administered by a gruop of local volunteers within the respective community that share the common goal of youth sports advocacy. Boards are established and are responsible for all operational considerations relative to their local programs. The WDMLPYFL assists in this process and local Boards may, if they chose to, petition the League for consideration of becoming a Member Organization. If you are interested in starting a new program in your community, or have an existing program that you wish to create additional opportunities for, we would welcome hearing from you and would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have or discuss the possibilities that may be available. Inquiries may be directed to League Commissioner Brad Hopkins by e-mail at WDMLPYFL@aol.com, or by contacting (515)971.0765. Thank you for your interest and support of youth sports in central Iowa.