After a year of waiting on the sidelines, the Greater Wichita Junior Football League is set to kick off next month. The 13-team youth league begins practicing in full pads this week, with the season opener scheduled for September 11.
“Unfortunately, due to Covid, we were unable to have a season last year, so I think that ramps up the excitement even more for this year. Like always, I expect we’ll have a very competitive season in which the players stay safe and have a great time playing football,” Mickey Lara, Greater Wichita Junior Football League’s athletic director.
Many youth players missed out on playing last year. Being away from the game deprived players of mental and physical interaction, camaraderie, and teamwork, all of which are essential to the growth of youth.
Registration for the upcoming season has been moved to August 9 from its original July 31deadline. There is a $50 fee per player, including team fees for jerseys and other items.
“ This is our first year doing online registration as well as individual registration. In years past, team registration was the only option, so this year everyone is new to the process, and therefore, we want to make sure everyone has the necessary time to adjust,” said Lara.
With 16 full-size fields, teams are allowed to spread out and socially distance for practices, as parents and fans attend games. Lara urges those who have not been vaccinated to wear masks and for all players and attendees to practice social distancing.
Game times will be scheduled to help reduce crowd sizes. Permanent bleachers will be removed to encourage spectators to bring their chairs for socially distanced viewing in designated zone registration for Greater Wichita Junior Football League League can be found online https://www.wichita.gov/ParkandRec/Athletics/Pages/GWJFL.aspx.
When completing the registration, if you are new to the league, enter N/A for the questions pertaining to returning players. The league office will work directly with new players to find them a team. For returning players, make sure to include a specific team and coach if you are returning to a team you previously played on.
For additional information, contact Mickey Lara at (316) 268-4123.
