Press Release
For Immediate Release
November 10, 2010
Gray-New Gloucester Patriots Youth Football doubled in size this year which makes for a very promising future for the program. A ton of enthusiasm and spirit has also helped move the program into the future.  The youth teams (4th, 5th and 6th grade) competed in the Maine Youth Football League (MYFL) southern division and faced some heavy competition – playing teams from Portland, South Portland, Auburn, Brunswick, Falmouth, Cumberland and Freeport.  The introduction of pee wee (1st, 2nd and 3rd grade) to the program was a huge success.  GNG fielded two pee wee teams who competed in MYFL’s Pee Wee division, and ended the year strong splitting a two game exhibition with a big win at Lewiston.  The youth program will continue to expand and provides a solid feeder system that will help grow the football program in Gray and New Gloucester for years to come.  
Patriot Grandstand Club Youth Football Coordinator Rich Peterson said that he was “very pleased and overwhelmed with joy at the amount of interest the youth and pee wee teams generated this season in our community.”  Peterson said “We really need to thank the community, the Middle School & High School coaches and players and our new Co-Curricular Director Jeff Ramich who showed a tremendous amount of effort and support this season – when asked, they all did anything they could to help improve football at the youth level. The Patriot Grandstand Club is responsible for bringing football to the community and it is our job to keep it strong.  People like Terry and Kelley Bowen, Anne Rowe, Barney Stilphen, Lisa Latno, Jon & Sandy Harmer, Bob Hubbard, Sharlene Myers and others need to be complimented for bringing football to the system and working hard to keep it strong.”
Peterson also added that he was touched by the amount of class and effort shown by all the “older” players from the middle and high school teams who took time out of their busy schedule to assist the youth coaches during summer youth camp, attended many youth games, and volunteered as referees and sideline officials when needed. Peterson said “The biggest thing is that our youth players look up to those older players, and they (the middle and high school players) showed a ton of class by keeping their heads held high and finishing what they started this season while facing adversity.  That example rubbed off on the youth players – and they are incredibly positive role models for our future football stars.”
Some highlights from the season included the introduction of tackle football to 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders and the addition of a dozen NYSCA certified and trained volunteer coaches who donated hundreds of hours of work to allow our young students the opportunity to learn and enjoy the game of football, while promoting good sportsmanship, teamwork, physical fitness, strong academic achievement, and self-confidence – which is the mission of the Patriot Grandstand Club.  Another success this year was the introduction of the first ever Monday night football game under the lights at GNGHS Varsity field.  The last regular season pee wee game of the year pitted GNG’s two pee wee teams against each other in a fun packed game which drew hundreds of spectators!
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There’s more! The youth teams were honored to help continue a new tradition of joining the GNG Cheering Squad through welcoming the Varsity high school team on to the field during the 2010 homecoming game this season.  The youth spirit tunnel was awesome.  All of the high school players were introduced as they ran by and high fived all of the young student athletes that represent the future of football in Gray-New Gloucester.  All of the youth (including pee wee) players were introduced to the community and the youth teams showed off their skills during a short exhibition during half time!
There was another group of young people who were involved with helping to generate excitement and enthusiasm for the football program in Gray-New Gloucester this season.  The GNG Diamond Cheering squad performed at most of the youth games at home and provided perfectly executed performances that inspired enthusiasm, pride and spirit!  The troop of well rehearsed, incredibly talented young people led by inspired volunteer coaches provided an excellent source of entertainment and excitement meant to be appreciated by the fans and generated a lot of support.  Hats off to the young people who did more than they realize to help further the success of the GNG Patriots Football program! 
Fans can visit http://gngfootball.org for more info, and can order the 2010 DVD Set that includes the Youth Video, Pee Wee Video and individual, team, game and candid photos from 2010.
The club is encouraging continued involvement from volunteers this off season to prepare for 2011 and invites everyone in the community to visit http://gngfootball.org regularly for information about the program and ways that they can get involved. GNG Patriots Youth Football is a member of American Youth Football, the official youth football partner of the National Football League (NFL.)

Contact: Rich Peterson, 699-8237
Website for additional press photos: http://gngfootball.org/2010/press.html
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