Sports
- Last Updated on Monday, 29 February 2016 03:52
The Union Finley Midget Football Association capped off their 2015 season with their annual Season Banquet on January 30, 2016. The catered event was enjoyed by the over 250 that attended.
The Union Finley Bears |
Coaches were given the stage to acknowledge their players and cheerleaders and recount the fun and exciting season that 2015 provided. The organization also recognized those student athletes that have maintained a 3.0 GPA or better with a certificate of excellence. The players and cheerleaders also received their banquet gifts - sweat suits and ear warmers for the cheerleaders, and jackets and shorts for the football players.
The 2015 season brought some changes to the Mon Valley Football league. The league welcomed four new organizations to the league, bringing with it larger enrollment and stronger competition. Some organizations in the league opted to other leagues, while Union Finley held fast to the belief that better competition breeds better football players, and remained in the league for its 42nd season. This decision proved to yield results, as Union Finley rosters at each level grew from the year before for both football and cheer.
In July, Union Finley hosted their football and cheer camps, which were opened to all players and cheerleaders regardless of their affiliation with the program. The camp was very successful, as it gave local players and cheerleaders the opportunity to work on basic skills and conditioning. It also gave them and their parents the opportunity to see what a great community organization Union Finley Football is. In addition, the coaches and players were able to get to know each other prior to the season starting. Union Finley was also proud to be able to provide new game shirts for the football players and warm-ups for the cheerleaders. This provision was possible despite the fact that Union Finley’s registration fees remain among the lowest in the Mon Valley Midget Football League.
The Bears at all levels competed admirably throughout the season. Crowds for both home and away games were larger than in years past and were kept on the edge of their seats, while cheers were led from the outstanding cheer squads. The Tiny Mites and the Midgets both extended their seasons by reaching the playoffs, with the Tiny Mites falling one game short of another trip to the Championship.
With the overwhelming success of last season, Union Finley is looking forward the kicking off the 2016 season. Registration is open to all boys and girls in the Finleyville, South Park, Monongahela, Bethel Park, Peters Township and Nottingham Township Communities, for Tiny Mite (Flag), 5-, 6- and7-year-olds; Termites, 7-,8- and 9-year-olds; Mighty Mites, 10-11-year-olds; and Midgets 12-13-year-olds, for both football and cheerleading. The league provides all equipment and uniforms.
Union Finley looks forward to seeing all of its returning players and cheerleaders, as well as its newcomers.