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Community Corner

Molding young men

My son and several of his teammates played their last game in the New London Youth Football League yesterday evening while suffering a difficult loss to a very good Killingly team in the senior division of the SNEYFL Conference Playoffs.  The loss was obviously difficult for him and his teammates but I have to say that I have never been more proud of his team.  When it was becoming clear that the game was slipping away, I saw kids quietly consoling one another while playing to the final whistle with class and maturity.  This behavior was no accident.  Their behavior is a reflection of their coaches.   The instruction and the opportunities afforded to my son this season by Coach Ken and his staff has made him a better player but more importantly he has become a better person and a better teammate.  Throughout his five years in the New London Youth Program we have had the pleasure of knowing many dedicated and unselfish coaches that have accepted an active role in shaping young people into better players and better young adults.   The names of the coaches that are due a thank you are too numerous to list so I won’t attempt to do so as I don’t want to risk leaving anyone out.  From the President of the league to the to the equipment managers to the team moms; these dedicated people (most without children in the program) were all in every day!  The New London coaches understand that football is more than just a game or something to do for little while.  They understand that football provides a unique opportunity for a well intentioned adult to positively affect a young life.  Thank you New London coaches for positively affecting my sons’ life during the past 5 seasons!

Dave and Michelle

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