De Soto Youth Football & Cheerleading Association
Developing a love of the game . . .
De Soto Youth Football and Cheerleading Association is a Kansas nonprofit organization committed to providing youth living in the De Soto, Kansas High School attendance area with challenging opportunities to learn to love the sport of tackle football. Experiences which provide learning opportunities on the football field are very different, but no less important, from constructive experiences gained though school or other organized activities. Our goal is to develop well-rounded young men and women who learn not only the fundamentals of football, but also the importance of education, in an atmosphere which develops sound minds, bodies and character - and having a good time along the way. We practice the ideals of sportsmanship, scholarship and physical fitness. Our program stresses lessons of value far beyond the playing days, such as, self-discipline, teamwork, concentration, friendship, leadership, and good sportsmanship.
Football, at any level, is a challenging sport, both physically and mentally. Safety is our top concern. Many of the exercises, drills, and team rules are designed to ensure our kids are physically and mentally fit for football. While each child is unique and develops at their own pace, our program exercises their bodies and minds to develop the skills needed to execute the game of football. Novice players are welcome at any age.
Our "club" is entirely run by dedicated volunteers, coaching flag football teams from kindergarten through 2nd grade, and tackle football teams from 3rd through 6th grade. The club is operated as a cohesive group, across grade levels, and is subsidized by loyal sponsors to keep the expense of playing this sport affordable and open to all kids within our area.
Flag football opportunities are offered through the club by affiliation through either the YMCA flag program or through the Kaw Valley League, affiliated with NYSSO (www.NYSSO.net). Decisions on affiliation are made independently by the coaching staff each year.
Tackle football is offered through the club’s affiliation with the Kaw Valley Football League. Kaw Valley Football plays most of its games at Field of Dreams in Basehor, Kansas, although the club has hosted a few "home games" in De Soto.
