Youth Football tries raising money through GoFundMe

By Ethan McSweeney

Maricopa Youth Football is fundraising to pay for fees needed to cover the costs of renting practice facilities, hiring referees and other expenses with a GoFundMe page.

The youth tackle football program includes players from age 5 to 14 with five separate age divisions. A $1,500 fee is required for each age division from American Youth Football, which is the league the Maricopa Rams play in.

The fees go to cover the costs of hiring referees, renting practice facilities, insurance and lighting, among other things, said volunteer coach Duane Vick.

Maricopa Youth Football fundraises to cover this fee every year through car washes and help from local businesses, but, Vick said, this is the first time it’s used a GoFundMe page as a fundraising method.

The fundraising goal on the GoFundMe page is $5,000. Any money left over is used to help families who can’t afford the cost of the program, according to the page.

Vick said the football program is a worthwhile cause because players learn important values.

“Organized sports are important for kids because they teach them commitment, pride, dedication and working with a team and working toward a goal,” Vick said.

Maricopa Youth Football needs to raise the funds by Aug. 26. For more information, visit the GoFundMe page here.