By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
Since Western Kenosha County Youth Football and Cheer began in 2000, the Silver Lake-based nonprofit organization has served up to 200 grade school students annually, and groomed future Westosha Central and Wilmot athletes.
But for the first time, the organization has a place to call home courtesy of community support for the Bulldogs, according to Tackle Vice President Mike Gentile.
“We have been trying to find our own home for the past 10 years,” Gentile said. “This was an opportunity that presented itself and will benefit the organization immensely.”
Gentile credited alumni of the organization and current members for coming together to make the mission possible stating “we have had lots of help from Bulldog nation throughout the process.”
Gentile added the opportunity presented itself in December, and took about five months to complete the new facility.
The 1,700-square-foot facility on 307 Lake St., Silver Lake, has several features that include a film room and places for participant registration.
“The new building has more square footage, which will allow us to do more,” Gentile said. “We will be able to host all of our registration events at the building.”
The organization’s objective extends beyond grooming future Panther and Falcon football players, however, with cheerleading as another training program at the facility.
“It’s a youth football organization that provides tackle football and cheerleading for boys and girls in the community,” Gentile said.
While the facility is in Silver Lake, where a majority of Riverview students go on to attend Wilmot High School, Gentile said the organization has received students from all districts in Western Kenosha County.
Districts include Randall Consolidated, Lakewood School, Wheatland Center School, Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated, Bristol Grade, Salem Grade School, Paris Grade and Brighton School District.
Even though football and cheerleading are the two programs offered, Gentile asserted that benefits extend beyond the field, adding it teaches children life lessons.
“We firmly believe that we are teaching kids lessons that will last them a lifetime,” Gentile said. “We also teach sportsmanship as how you treat others is more important than winning or losing.”
The full story appears in the May 20 edition of the Westosha Report