Hutchins has plan for youth football league

By Jeff Edwards (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Thursday, March 13, 2008

NATCHEZ — One of Natchez’s athletic stars is trying to give back to his community by starting a youth football league.

Former Cathedral football standout Von Hutchins, who plays currently with the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL, will be hosting a meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 20 at the Steckler Multi-Purpose Building on the Natchez High campus to discuss the league and answer any questions of parents and potential players.

The potential league will be affiliated with the Mississippi Youth Sports Association, which also has youth football teams in the Jackson area, Vicksburg, Terry and Brookhaven.

The season would begin in August, but Hutchins said Thursday’s meeting is very important, as it will show how much interest there is in the league in Natchez.

“We need everyone interested to come out so we can show the level of interest the community has,” Hutchins said. “This is a very important meeting.”

Hutchins will be at the meeting along with MYSA director Robert Brunson to discuss the parameters of the league and answer any questions.

Hutchins said children ages 6 through 12 interested in playing and parents interested in coaching are invited to attend the event.

There will be one team, called the Natchez Falcons, which is broken up into three different squads, Hutchins said.

The A squad will be for 6-to-8-year-olds, the B squad for 9 and 10-year-olds and the C squad for 11 and 12-year-olds.

Hutchins said he is hoping for at least 22 kids per squad to join the league.

Hutchins said it was important for a youth football league in Natchez because of the outlet it provides kids in the area.

“This would be a great asset to Natchez,” Hutchins said. “It gives young people the opportunity to do something constructive after school is out. Kids need an avenue to do something constructive and sports is an excellent way to learn a competitive drive, take teaching and learn how to lead. A lot of things can be learned through competitive sports.”

For more information on the proposed league, see the website www.natchezfalcons.com or www.msyouthsports.com.