By Robert Balajadia
Triple J Ford continue to show their support for the Guam National Youth Football Federation (GNYFF) after renewing their sponsorship as a main sponsor for the organization for another two years after their previous two-year tenure had just finished.
The sponsorship will carry on through the 2015.
Members of each of the eight youth football teams made an appearance at the Triple J headquarters in Tumon to show gratitude and support for Triple J’s continued involvement with the league.
“Growing up on Guam and growing up around these organizations, we’ve seen the benefits and differences they make. When Fred Tupaz approached us saying that they need help with the league it was something we didn’t have to think to hard about. We’re happy to be entering our third year with GNYFF,” said Triple J’s Senior Vice President Jay Jones
Triple J’s Senior Vice President Jay Jones speaks to the audience about their continued involvement with GNYFF. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
One of the highlights of the 2014 season was the announcing of hosting of night games at the Wettengel field, but due to a recent act of vandalism and theft at the field the night games will be postponed. The vandals were reported to have stolen the necessary wires that turned on the lights which is nearly a $3000 investment that GNYFF will be working with the community to restore.
“It’s more so for the Matua division who are going to be playing under the lights in high school. It’s also a lot cooler for the kids playing in the afternoon and getting away from the midday sun,” said GNYFF’s media specialist Fred Tupaz.
Along with the announcement of the night games, the GNYFF released an official schedule for the league which is set to kick of this weekend. The Games will go on from August 16 to October 25, the championship game.
Youth football on Guam has been the gateway for many successful high school football athletes and Tupaz encouraged the audience that the dreams of playing football at a collegiate level and professional level are a dream that should live strong with all of the kids.
“My son wanted to be a professional football player as a wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and I always told him he could. I always told him he had the chance to do it as long as he worked hard towards it,” said Tupaz after sharing that he heard a parent once tell their kid they could not make it to a professional level.
Triple J will be assisting the GNYFF in transporting the field equipment. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
The dream was well alive in the showroom as kids from the Angels, Raiders, Eagles, Giants, Saints, Falcons, Cowboys, and Jets all joined in when asked who wanted to play professionally.
GNYFF President Ivan Shiroma and Jones had shared a long friendship dating back to the days when the great Hal Shiroma, Ivan’s father, was Jones coach. The relationship the two have shared has helped the bond that Triple J and the GNYFF continue to grow.
“The Jones’ are all football people. They’re running a very successful business and football is the most expensive sport. I approached them with idea and told them it’s all about the kids and they were more than willing to help.”
With over 1000 players and over 200 cheerleaders, the GNYFF is set to kick off another action packed season in each of their divisions. The Mandikiki, Manha, Metgot, and Matua division will all be rocking the Wettengel and Raider field Saturday and Sunday as action will start at 9 am with the last game scheduled for 2:30 pm.
GNYFF awarded Jones and Triple J with a plaque as a thank you for their continued support. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
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