The Bedford Youth Football Association (BYFA) is a football and cheerleading organization for boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 15. Nearly 300 kids participated last season - our 7th season! We compete in five divisions, Mitey Mite, Jr. Pee Wee, Pee Wee, Jr. Midget, and Midget.

Our goals are to promote a balance of sportsmanship, team spirit, and competition for the youth of our community. SAFETY, FAIRNESS, and CAMARADERIE are our HIGHEST PRIORITIES.

The Bedford Jaguars originally started out as a member of the NH Pop Warner program in 2000 with three teams; Mitey Mites, Jr. Pee Wees and Pee Wees. About 80 kids participated in our first year. All three football teams and spirit squads practiced on the baseball fields behind McKelvie School. Each year the program continued to grow.

In 2004/2005, 28 New Hampshire teams made up the NH Pop Warner Football Conference at which time the NH State Board of Directors made its members aware of the fact that the National Pop Warner Association wanted more from the local organizations than what was originally agreed to. As a result, the NH State Board along with 25 of its member organizations, including Bedford, voted to join the American Youth Football (AYF) Program, leaving just three of the original 28 teams in NH Pop Warner. Recently, the Derry Demons, a member of Pop Warner since 1971 and one of the original remaining three NH Pop Warner teams, voted to join AYF bringing the total number of NH AYF organizations to 26 teams and once again reducing the number of teams in NH Pop Warner.

The American Youth Football and Cheer organization was founded in 1996 and has amassed a tremendous following over its 10 years of existence. Out of approximately 600,000 football and cheer organizations nationwide, 390,000 organizations are part of AYF. AYF Goals are as follows:

• To provide a wholesome competitiveness within the scope of our rules and regulations that will protect the youth football player and cheerleader.
• To teach the fundamentals of football and coordinate cheerleader activities.
• To provide a responsible football and cheerleader program where none is provided by the public schools.
• To influence good sportsmanship, teamwork, highest moral and physical standards and the importance of scholarship and academic achievement.
• To lend leagues support while remaining NON-INTRUSIVE to local operations.
• To make Youth Football ALL-INCLUSIVE by not excluding participants based on superficial factors (such as weight).

Since our beginning in 2000 the Jaguars organization has grown to nearly 300 participants and we now have new practice facilities, new equipment and more teams. Our program has reached new heights each and every year thanks to the hard work and dedication of our membership, including players, parents, coaches and volunteers, both on and off the field.

The Jaguar’s first National Championship title earned by our Pee Wee Spirit Squad is a testament to the dedication of the kids, coaches and parents. We have many more great memories to create in the future. We cannot do it without you.

On behalf of the Bedford Youth Football Association’s Board of Directors, we thank you for your continued support and hope you will continue to allow your kids to participate and grow in our program.

Sincerely,

Bedford Youth Football Association

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