PUBLIC OPINION:

 
From time to time, BYFL receives comments from the public that make all of the effort worthwhile. We invite parents, kids, and others to share your stories with us. We invite you to email us with any comments you may have, including constructive criticism on ways to improve our programs and services.

If you have any suggestions on how we might improve our program for the sake of our children, please email us your thoughts.

DECATUR COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
(March 13, 2006)

Dear Mr. Walden,

Bainbridge Youth Football League, Inc. has been a positive influence on the lives of the children in our community. Bainbridge Youth Football League gives the children an opportunity to become engaged in sports and also gives the youth a chance to interact with other youths. There is a great need for BYFL in our community. By adding to this type of program it will greatly influence our children of the community.

With Warmest Regards,

Sheriff Wiley Griffin

EDWARD JONES
(March 11, 2006)

Dear William,

The Bainbridge Youth Football League has proven to be a tremendous asset to the youth of Bainbridge and Decatur County. I have personally observed the attributes that the organization has instilled in many of our community's youth that desperately need direction and guidance.

Due to efforts of the Bainbridge Youth Football League, Decatur County has a very organized and well-managed venue for our youth to compete. Also, since the League is free, the kids truly compete on a "level" playing field that enables children from all walks of life to participate.

I would encourage any youth that wants to participate in a team sport in an environment that is well-managed, safe, with positive role models to be involved with the Bainbridge Youth Football League.

Thanks for all of your efforts.

Sincerely,

Keith Lyle
Investment Representative

FRIENDS WITH JESUS, INC.
(March 14, 2006)

Dear Bainbridge Youth Football League,

Thank you for your community effort to provide a free football league for the less fortunate youth in Bainbridge. Over the past year I have watched and have had the opportunity to work with your program and have been nothing but impressed. Your planning and implementation of youth services has proven to be second to none. Together, I think we all are striving to make a better Bainbridge for all who live here. Thank you again for the opportunity to serve with your organization and I greatly appreciate your efforts to make our community a better Bainbridge.

IVEY FUNERAL HOME
(March 9, 2006)

To whom it may concern,

I have been a sponsor of BYFL and feel that this organization has done an excellent job at providing recreational opportunities for our youth. I no longer have children at the age to participate, but I will continue to contribute based on what this program does for our youth.

Richard F. Ivey, President
Ivey Funeral Homes, Inc.

ING LIFE OF GEORGIA
(March 7, 2006 in a letter written supporting BYFL)

Dear Congressman Sanford and Mr. Wallace Sholar:

This past fall I helped the BYFL by keeping score and working the down markers. This program has been a very positive influence on the Youth of Bainbridge and I might add the entire community has helped support this program Mr. Walden worked tirelessly to solicited financial support from the business and individuals of our community. His entire effort was put forth for the benefit of the children. He had seen and heard of many children that wished to play ball but couldn't because of their parents not being able to pay the sign up fees and equipment costs that other programs charged. BYFL is always free and always about the children. He also has a cheerleading opportunities for the girls of our community. BYFL wishes to continue to grow, and offer more activities each year. Your consideration for governmental grants would be appreciated by this Community.

Yours Truly,
A. Gilbert Valter
Field Manager
ING Life of Georgia

MS. MARY TOMLIN, PARENT
(March 10, 2006)

Mr. William G. Walden,

I just want you and your staff to know that I and my grandson had a very positive year with the football league this last season. The formation of the league gave children who would not have had this opportunity to play football a chance to have something positive to do with their free time. By that I mean that most of the students would not have been able to afford to pay to participate in the program if a fee would have been involved and certainly, speaking for myself, would not have been able to purchase equipment.

Thank all of your sponsors and do let them know that they are appreciated and I hope the program can continue so that all children who can not afford it otherwise can participate. I also like the fact that the coaches are concerned that the players keep their grades up in order to participate.

The coach and staff interaction with the young men is very positive and I am sure that all parents who had children participating last year are eager for this season to begin.

Again, thank you for making this happen, and if I can help in any way, please let me know. It may not be monetary but if I can help with typing or any other assistance is needed, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

May the Lord keep and bless all of you,
Ms. Mary Tomlin

DR. SANDY MALONE AND LARRY J. MALONE
(March 13, 2006)

We highly laud the dedication of these individuals, not just to BYFL,
but to the youth in this community. For many of our youth, athletic
opportunity is one of the only places they can compete on a level
playing field with their peers. To get them hooked on this team sport,
allowing them the opportunity to experience success on the field, then
using this as a "teachable moment" to show the value of hard work, the
skill of working as a team for a common goal, and the vision of
opportunity for these youth is so critical, that I would not feel it an
understatement to see it is a link to the future well-being of our
entire community!!

GREG MCDONALD
(March 13, 2006)

I would like to express my support and acknowledge the positive influence BYFL has had already and its potential for positive influence in the future. Mr. Walden and his volunteer staff have worked tirelessly to create a sports program that breaks barriers: economic, race, nationality, etc., with the common goal of using football and cheerleading to help boys and girls grow into strong men and women.

The BYFL's coach selection process is designed, not with winning as the primary goal, but with character/athlete development as the primary goal. The directors obviously sought out coaches with high moral standards, good work ethics, love for children, and desire to serve the community. The coaches put in many hours planning practice, contacting parents, holding practice, and playing games. My hat is off to the coaches.

Another thing I appreciate about BYFL is the willingness of the directors to listen to parents and coaches and implement plans to improve the programs. Mr. Walden and Mr. Brown truly have listening ears and a desire to make BYFL a community program that seeks to build up the youth of our community. I hope that BYFL can continue and grow in the future. I would also love to see Youth Football Leagues with similar structure all over southwest Georgia.

Feel free to contact me during the day at 229.248.2517 or by cell phone at 229.400.2021

Sincerely,
Greg McDonald