President's Message

The football and cheer season for your child is fast approaching. On July 16th we will finalize the registration of all those participating and practice will begin Aug 1st. For those returning from last year and for those new to the Keene program I would like to welcome you all.

Last year Keene and 26 other NH Youth football programs were affiliated with and under the guidelines of the Pop Warner Little Scholars program. The Pop Warner program has been a tradition in youth football since 1929. The relationship with that organization has been an accepted part of the NH and Keene programs for years. The Pop Warner program remains a well-respected organization dedicated to our youth. It is unfortunate but deemed necessary that at this time the relationship with Pop Warner National and the 26 NH associations has been severed. At the May meeting of all the presidents within the league, a vote to withdraw from that affiliation was passed.

This was not a decision made lightly or without due diligence. It was based foremost on what is best for the children of NH. Providing a safe, rewarding, fair and fun haven for them to cheer and play football. This year's program will follow rules and in season play similar to last year with regard to football. The teams will compete at the state level against the same teams we have faced in years past. State championship playoff and other post-season play will follow different paths. We are working to create an independent league associated with AYF (American Youth Football). Cheer squads will also enjoy state and regional competition under rules that are more inline with the majority of the country. For more information an AYF go to http://www.americanyouthfootball.com/.

Sincerely,
John Cunningham, pres
Keene Knights Football, Inc