By: Matthew Hester
Media Relations Director
Southern Indoor Football League

COLUMBUS, GA (February 26, 2010) – Thanks to the help of St. Francis Hospital, Schuster Enterprises, which owns and operates local area Burger Kings, along with Crimestoppers of Columbus, the Columbus Lions of the Southern Indoor Football League will be officially kicking off their third season of the Youth Indoor Football League (YIFL) on March 6th at 11 a.m.

Since its inception in 2008, the Columbus Lions Youth Indoor Football League has seen over 300+ players from the ages of 9-12 participate hailing from all areas around the city of Columbus.   The YIFL allows children to experience first-hand, the fast-paced and thrilling action that makes indoor football one of the country’s fastest growing sports.

With its ever growing support, the league has continued to expand each season and 2010 will feature over 250+ new participants this year.  Along with expansion, there will be a couple of new additions along with some subtractions for the YIFL. 

First, the Lions and the Columbus Youth Football organization decided to break ties.  The Lions and CYF still hold a working relationship together but it was decided that two groups should become separate.     Even though the Lions broke off ties with the CYF, they chose to keep a lot of the same playing restrictions such as age cutoff dates and weight limitations that are already in place. 

Also this season, the seven-team league will feature six new names including the Patriots, Longhorns, Steelers, Colts, Ravens, and Gators to go with Jackets as the only returning name.  Even though the names have changed, the Lions have already signed up a lot of the same returning players from the past two seasons as well as some new faces.

In addition, the Patriots will be comprised of all children who currently live on the nearby Ft. Benning military base.  All of the Patriots games will be taped and broadcasted on Ft. Benning TV to the troops presently overseas.

“We hold our troops overseas and stationed here in Ft. Benning in high admiration,” says Columbus Lions Head Coach Jason Gibson.  “I think the unique concept of football we offer along with the high spirits the children have will bring lots of joy and humility to those who have never seen our style of football.”

Lastly, the 9-10 year old division and 11-12 year old division will play their games separated by two halves.  The younger division gets an early start time while the more experienced group will launch on at May 22nd.

If you have any questions or would like to learn how to register your child, please contact the Columbus Lions at 706-322-3336 or visit their website at www.columbuslions.net/yifl.