USA Football

When you're overseeing more than 400 kids, parents, volunteers, board members and other key figures in the community, running a Pop Warner organization can seem overwhelming.

Not to Brad Yerk.

The first-year president of the Souderton (Pa.) Braves program is eagerly anticipating his first full year on the job.

"I was born and raised in Souderton," Yerk said. "My brothers, nephews all played. I have three boys and two play football. I love the program. I'm excited about being the president and working with all the fine people we have here in this community. I look at it as a thrill and a privilege to work with these boys and girls. It's a joy to be here.

"I feel it's very important to be a role model to these kids. If we can have even a little bit of input in these kids' lives, it's worth it. We're here for them and to help them along. I'm really excited for this season."

Yerk discussed many of the things that USA Football takes very seriously. For the 400 kids participating in this particular Pop Warner organization, it's vital to have a well-rounded experience for the kids.

"Everybody wants to win, for sure," Yerk said. "Like USA Football, we need to make it fun for the kids, too. They need to get their schoolwork done and get good grades. They need to have good sportsmanship. They need to understand the value of teamwork.

"From day one I tell all the kids and the parents that family and school come first before football and cheerleading. I tell them if they need a vacation, take it. If it means the kids miss a game or a cheerleading day, do it. Spending quality time with your family is important, and I never want a week's vacation to be put in jeopardy because they think the kids have to be at every game. That's not what we're about.

"The football and cheerleading will take care of itself. Family, good grades and everything like that comes first."

There are approximately 400 kids prepared to participate in 2008 with 265 split among 13 football teams and 135 cheerleaders.

Souderton is known for its consistency in retaining coaches highlighted by Ken Nace, who will return for his 29th year as the coach of the 135-pound football players.

"Everybody in the community knows Ken," Yerk said. "He's a pillar in the community, especially at that level. The kids are so fortunate to have him year in and year out."

Like the unselfishness of giving back that USA Football believes in, Yerk said it was time to give back even more to his community. That's one of the reasons he decided to take the role of president this year.

"The sport of football and this community has given so much to me and my family," Yerk said. "I thought it was time to keep giving back in a bigger way. I am really looking forward to this year and working with all of these great kids. In the end, working with the kids is what makes this fun for me."

Story courtesy of Red Line Editorial, Inc.