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The players on the Middletown Youth Football Division 3 team are not old enough to drive, but each one will shortly be handed a key.
Middletown defeated Pine Bush 31-14 in the Orange County Youth Football League Super Bowl on Nov. 21, capping an 11-0 season.
The 12- and 13-year-old players led Middletown's annual Christmas tree lighting parade on Nov. 26. Mayor Joe DeStefano presented the team with a certificate at the parade and has ordered keys to the city for each member of the team.
"These kids have all played together since they were 6 or 7," said Miguel Rodrigues, a Middletown Youth Football board member and treasurer. "As the program gets better, they want to stick with it. They know all the plays. All through the offseason they went and worked out and went to places like the YMCA and got a membership. It's a bunch of great kids."
Middletown's Mighty Mite team, comprised of 6- and 7-year-olds, also won a Super Bowl title.
Rodrigues is one of many in the MYF program who hopes success at the lower levels eventually translates into success for the high school varsity team.
Prior to the season, Middletown High coaches sat down with the youth coaches for clinics. Members of the varsity team developed an obstacle course for the youth-level players.
The MYF program hopes to bring back its Division 3 title-winning alumni for a ceremony next season, during which a sign with their names will be unveiled on the equipment shack in Watts Park.
"We're trying to boost them up," Rodrigues said. "Besides the trophy and the jersey with their name on the back, we want them to know that they did a great job and that this was their year."
Welcome To The Middletown Youth Football and Cheerleading Web Site
The goal of our league is to provide a safe and productive environment that enables children to learn and apply the principles of teamwork, discipline, dedication, and sportsmanship. We facilitate the development of strength and character in every child that participates. Participation in our league is open to all boys and girls in the City Of Middletown, NY and we are proud members of the Orange County Youth Football League.
Orange County Youth Football League
We are sustained by the efforts of volunteers who display an extraordinary amount of commitment and hard work, ensuring that our league is a positive influence in the lives of our children. We also strive to provide a service to our community by providing a healthy outlet for children, opportunities for the community to gather together, and endless hours of entertainment.
Cheerleaders
GO MIDDLETOWN!!!
Mighty Mites
Division 1
Division 2 Middies
Division 2 Bears
Division 3
Thank You
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Sportsmanship Teamwork Strength Character Discipline Dedication
We welcome all children, regardless of race, creed or national origin.
We appreciate the generous support of the community, local merchants, and civic organizations.
