YOUTH FOOTBALL INITIATIVE

The SCPRA has a desire to be involved in the local youth football scene.

In the past, the Park & Rec Department had been involved with running teams within the Capital Football Association (CFA) and we also view ourselves as a supporter of a longstanding league already in place in Shippensburg. So, how can we be involved (or get back involved)? Is it possible, and is there interest, to help support the SCPRA’s efforts?

Since his hiring in 2022, new SCPRA Director Josh Mitchell has been interested in exploring that very question — especially considering the SCPRA’s oversight of Veterans Stadium. The facility is where high school football in Shippensburg has been played for the better-part of 75 years and is a place that could continue to host events of this nature for area youth.

To be ran as a program by Park & Rec, it definitely would take support from community residents looking to do what’s in the best interest of the boys and girls who would be involved — but also with an approach that aligned with the SCPRA’s overall objectives.

It’s also our SCPRA Director’s goal to be considerate of the tradition that the league already in place has upheld since the 1970’s. We would view our involvement, if any, in the sport as an alternative option, and one where a different audience would have interest — but we are also open to any collaborative ideas that would be beneficial to other leagues and fit our desire.

Football, and cheerleading alike, offer great lessons that extend beyond the game.

The SCPRA see’s the value in offering team sports, much like we do with our softball and baseball programs, and we’d like to foster those skills and provide an atmosphere that builds continuity and strengthens togetherness in our community.

First and foremost however, we want to do it the right way and make sure the focus is on the development and positive impact we can make in the life’s of our local student-athletes.

If you want to help the SCPRA operate such a program again, please reach out with ideas.

*NOTE: We were recently approached by individuals looking for CFA to return in Shippensburg; however, after discussions took place about what would be required to assist the SCPRA in operating teams under our department, it seems those individuals have decided to explore other avenues that fit their desire and that no longer involves Park & Rec.

Therefore, we are not associated with any current efforts around restarting this league. Our initial involvement was built on the possibility that those with interested desire would match our own outlook and timeline on the process. Unfortunately, each party had different hopes.

That doesn’t mean the SCPRA still doesn’t have interest in re-starting a program we once ran, or getting involved in the football scene again. We will continue to explore those options.