A youth flag football league in Johnstown is drafting kids to give them something fun – and safe – to do this summer.

Coach Eddie Taylor founded T & N Youth Sports, which runs the NFL Play 60 Flag Football League in Johnstown. 

“Football’s been in my heart ever since I was a little boy,” Taylor said.

Taylor said the league helps children build confidence, friendships and a sense of teamwork. In 2017, more than sixty 5 to 10-year-olds played. This summer, Taylor hopes to draft 100 by adding 5th and 6th graders to the league.

“Seeing the kids making it and having fun makes me feel good and it makes a lot of parents feel good too, to see their kids achieving,” Taylor said.

Taylor said his goal is to get boys and girls off the streets.

“My main focus is to keep our kids out of trouble and give them something positive to do,” Taylor said.

The league costs $25 per child, but Coach Taylor said T&N Youth Sports volunteers make sure children from rural and low income families can play, even if they can’t afford it.

“Even if it has to come out of our own pockets to make sure that kid plays,” Taylor said.

Now, the league needs monetary donations and volunteers to help coach and keep kids running in the right direction.

“A lot of things can happen through sports. A lot of kids can be saved through sports. That’s my goal: making sure we save our kids,” said Taylor.

Registration for the flag football league starts on Saturday, April 14 at Roxbury Park in Johnstown and runs every Saturday through May.

You can also contact Coach Eddie Taylor by phone: 814-792-9773 or email: giants56et@gmail.com to find out how to register your child, volunteer or donate money.