Naperville well represented among 21 towns in 2023 football championships
The Naperville Saints Youth Football organization is proud to announce that five of their football teams have qualified to play in the 2023 Bill George Youth Football League championships. The championships will be held at Benedictine University in Lisle Nov. 11-12.
While the weekend's games are a celebration of the 2023 season, the BGYFL is celebrating its own milestone: 60 years of youth football. Founded in 1963 from an initial donation by Chicago Bears great Bill George, the BGYFL has been dutifully championing youth football throughout Chicagoland.
As John Hughes, Naperville Saints board member, shares, "I grew up playing in the BGYFL, and now coaching in the League with my own kids in the program, it's such an honor. They (BGYFL) do a great job supporting kids playing football across several age groups and competition levels for 21 towns."
Due to the meteoric rise of youth football in Naperville in recent years, the Saints are sending the most teams of any town in the League to the 2023 championships. With 30 teams across all towns in the League advancing to the championships, it's a unique opportunity for teams to celebrate their hard work.
"Having started practices at the end of July, our 530+ players worked hard throughout the year. We're very proud of the tremendous effort that all of our players put in this season. Practices, games, film study - these kids have really put in the work" states Mike Lemons, Naperville Saints board member.
Naperville Saints teams participating in the 2023 Championships range from 10-14 years old, listed below:
• 10-U Gold D2 Naperville: Saturday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m.
• 11-U Silver Naperville Navy: Saturday, Nov. 11, at 2:30 p.m.
• 11-U Silver Naperville Black: Saturday, Nov. 11, at 2:30 p.m.
• 10-U Gold D1 Naperville: Sunday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m.
• Varsity (8th grade) Silver Naperville White: Sunday, Nov. 11, at 6:30 p.m.
"Each of these teams represents a mix of players with football experience, with many playing football for the first time. Their success is a testament to the dedication of our players, volunteer coaches, parents, sponsors, and the unwavering support from the Naperville community," said Tom Liabo, Naperville Saints president.
As a nod to the 60-year history of St. Raphael Football/Naperville Saints Youth Football, Lemons adds, "We're honored to carry the torch of the Naperville football legacy - to use football as a vehicle for teaching life lessons."
The BGYFL championships are open to the public, held at Benedictine University Nov. 11-12. Ticket are $10, $5 for children under the age of 14 or seniors, or free for children, age 4 and under.
For information, visit www.napervillesaints.org.
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About Naperville Saints: The Naperville Saints are the longest-tenured youth football organization in Naperville, IL. As a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven youth football organization, our mission is to motivate and mentor our players for success on and off the field. Founded in 1963 as St. Raphael Football, our players learn how to play football in a safe, positive, and inclusive environment while instilling confidence, discipline, and character. We are comprised of multiple teams organized by age and skill level from 8-14 years old, emphasizing football fundamentals, teamwork, safety, exercise, discipline, achievement, resilience, and fun. The Naperville Saints are a proud member of the long-standing and nationally recognized Bill George Youth Football League.