Oskaloosa Youth Sports Foundation Expands Football and Cheer Programs While Teaching Life Skills
Erica Silvers (left) and members of the YSF program stopped by the Oskaloosa News studio to provide an update on the program.
The organization, often called Osky YSF, gives young athletes a chance to play football and join cheerleading. The program is about more than just winning. Organizers want kids to learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and how to support each other.
Erica Silvers, a leader at Osky YSF, recently visited the Oskaloosa News studio with two young football players, Jackson and AJ. They talked about the season and how the organization supports local youth.
More Opportunities for Young Athletes
Osky YSF is part of the larger Youth Sports Foundation organization based in Muscatine.
The local program offers tackle football for fifth and sixth graders, and cheerleading for students from third to eighth grade. Younger kids have also had chances to play flag football.
Silvers said the organization added football for seventh and eighth graders this year, giving young athletes a way to keep playing as they get closer to high school.
The organization is also considering starting a flag football team just for girls.
As the programs have grown, organizers have invited more people to help make decisions.
A local board was created last year to help guide the organization. Members include people involved in youth sports, school activities, coaching, strength training, cheerleading, and parents.
Among those involved are Oskaloosa High School football coach Hunter Else, Activities Director Jamie Jacobs, and representatives from William Penn University’s cheer program.
Silvers said having people with different backgrounds helps the organization make choices that are good for young athletes.
Teaching More Than Football
For the young players at the interview, football has meant making friends, learning new skills, and having fun.
One player said he tried football before but didn’t enjoy it. This season, he gave it another try and found that support from his coaches helped him enjoy the game.
Another player, Jackson, said he wanted to play football last year but had to wait until this season. Once he joined, he enjoyed the competition, his teammates, and getting to play.
Silvers said the organization focuses on good coaching and making sure kids have a positive experience.
She said that at this age, players should learn proper techniques, understand safety, and start to love the game, instead of being expected to play like high school athletes.
The players also discussed the importance of good sportsmanship.
This means helping an opposing player get up after a tackle, cheering on teammates who are having a hard time, and showing respect for everyone on the field.
Silvers said she has seen players finish their drills and then go back to cheer for teammates who were still practicing.
Those are the kindShe hopes these are the lessons players will remember as they grow up.son on the Field
The two Oskaloosa youth football teams ended the season with different records, but both aimed to get better throughout the year.
Oski Two completed its season with a 5-1 record, while Oski One finished 3-3.
Silvers said that enjoying the game was a big part of the teams’ success.
The young players also talked about some of their favorite moments from the season.
AJ talked about practicing his kicking with his dad after football practice. Getting better at kicking helped his team in several games.
Jackson remembered playing strong defense against Sigourney-Keota, making several tackles and sacks.
Both plaBoth players said that making friends and spending time with teammates were important parts of the season. Back to the Community
Osky YSF also encourages young athletes to join activities outside of football.
Players have helped with community stadium cleanups and supported a local family facing a medical emergency by joining a fundraiser during football games.
The organization has also gotten help from local businesses and volunteers.
Silvers mentioned Oskaloosa CrossFit, whose volunteers helped out at a free youth camp at William Penn University.
The volunteers brought in activities and relay races that organizers later added to their training programs.
The cheerleading program has kept growing, with William Penn University cheerleaders helping lead the younger kids.
As the season ended, Osky YSF cheerleaders were getting ready for a halftime show at William Penn.
Looking Toward the Future
Silvers has worked with Osky YSF for four years and is now seeing some of the first kids she coached move on to high school.
She said seeing young athletes grow from beginners to experienced players has been one of the most rewarding parts of her work.
The organization plans to keep growing its programs and welcomes help from parents, volunteers, coaches, and community members.
Families who want to learn more about football, cheerleading, future programs, or volunteering can visit the Osky YSF Facebook group.
