The Garland Peewee Football league is a nonprofit recreational sports organization for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. The league was established in 1955, and it continues to serve Garland ISD and the residents of Garland, Sachse and Rowlett.
The teams are aligned by schools so the kids can play on teams with their classmates. They offer affordable football, cheer and dance. The age divisions for football are:
- Flag – k, 1st, 2nd
- Tackle – 3rd and 4th grades
- Tackle – 5th and 6th grades
Girls are welcome to play on the football teams. Games are on Saturdays at Central Park or Holford Park, and the first game of this season is Sept. 17. Football registration closes Sept. 4. Cheer and dance registration are closed.
Aretha Pettway, the current board president, has been involved in the league since 2017 when her son started in the flag football division. He is now in sixth grade and still enjoying Garland Peewee Football.
“My son has been playing since he was five, so I’ve watched him and his friends in the league grow up,” she said. “Being on the board can be a lot of work, but I love it. It’s my passion. It’s what brings me joy.”
Both children and parents benefit by participating. A few of the advantages include:
- Dedicated volunteer coaches who give back to the community. Many participated in the league as children.
- Kids and parents meet new people and make new friends.
- Lasting relationships formed between the kids, as well as families.
- Children get a sense of belonging, pride to be part of the Garland Peewee Football League.
- Time spent outdoors being physically active.
- Memories made last a lifetime.
- Valuable lessons learned about teamwork, sportsmanship, perseverance, determination and much more.
Pettway stressed that it is a safe environment for the kids and their families.
“With everything going on in the world now, you want to know that your kids are safe,” she said. “There is always a police officer at the games and all the volunteers are held to a strict code of conduct.”
Email the league at garlandpeeweefootball@gmail.com if you’d like to volunteer. Coach interviews are conducted in January and February. They are always looking for men and women with integrity to coach the kids.
For more information, visit www.garlandpeeweefootball.org. Or find us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Note: Act fast if your child would like to participate in cheer, dance or play football. Registration closes Sept. 4.