Idée acf1360:

Joe's Community Vision Continues

Affichée le octobre 16, 2009

• Auteur : Dr Mike Staffen
• Organisation: Joe MacDonald Youth Football League
• Endroit : Sudbury, Ont
• Catégorie : Soutenez les jeunes
• Coût : À gros budget (50 000 $ à 250 000 $)

On October 7th 1993, Constable Joe MacDonald had his life taken in the line of duty, but his friends and community refused to allow such a tragic event to erase the good that Joe had done for his community. Joe was larger than life and was loved by everyone he met.

Joe especially loved to give back to his community by helping youth through sport. Joe was involved in basketball and baseball but his true love was football. In Joe’s honour the Joe MacDonald Youth Football League (JMYFL) was started and has continued on with great success over the last 16 years. The founders of the league wanted to ensure that Joe’s spirit would be remembered and that the game of football would not only survive in Sudbury but thrive, and that is exactly what has happened.

Over the past 16 years thousands of girls and boys have participated in this developmental league and the total number of individuals participating in football in our community at the high school and more elite levels has increased tremendously.

Every weekend from mid August to early November, thousands of cars pass the fields at James Jerome Sports Complex where hundreds of boys and girls are enjoying the game of football and developing skills that they will use their entire life.

The league has done a lot more for the children than teach them about the game of football as parents often remark that their sons and daughters are doing better at school, have developed more confidence, determination and lifelong friendships through the participation in the league.

James Jerome Sports Complex is not only the home to JMYFL but is also an important complex in the soccer and baseball communities and in this up coming year will be a key venue for the 2010 Ontario Summer Games.

The City of Greater Sudbury has begun to work on updating the fields for the games but our community, however, will not have the money to update the field house. The field house is certainly in need of repairs and expansion. At its present size and state of disrepair no one is able to use the dressing rooms as they are jam packed with football equipment and the shower facilities are not useable. This makes it difficult for the soccer community when they host their many tournaments and also will not leave a good impression on the visitors that we will have in our community participating in the summer games. This directly reflects on our community and our youth's abilities to enjoy this facility to its full potential.

This is a fantastic opportunity to partner with Aviva Community Fund to put an addition on to the field house to store equipment properly as well have the ability for teams to use the dressing rooms and shower facilities.

Whether your children, grandchildren or a neighbour's children are participating in soccer, baseball, football or the summer games, or you're just proud of your community and want it to be a better place, you need to vote for this project.

Whether you were a friend of Joe’s or believe that children need the opportunity to grow through the participation in organized sports, you need to vote for this project.

We thank you for taking the time to read our proposal and thank Aviva for being a partner in our community. We are building more than a better field house we are building a better community.

• 

  Joe MacDonald
  Thousands of youth play many different sports at the James Jerome Sports Complex which NEEDS a building update. This facility was once known as the Lily Creek Fields. PLEASE VOTE FOR THIS PROJECT DAILY FOR THE GOOD OF MANY. We thank you!
  octobre 21, 2009 @ 11:34

  
  
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  Mini Mac Player
  This is our youngest division of 8 to 10 year olds. Often the players only spend one year here practicing the basics (like holding their head up with a heavy helmet on :) before they move up to a more focused season.
  octobre 21, 2009 @ 11:38

  
  
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  Bantam Play 1
  
  octobre 21, 2009 @ 11:40

  
  
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  Bantam Play 2
  Bantam is the oldest division and more competitive than the tykes although we maintain a developmental league philosophy even here.
  octobre 21, 2009 @ 11:41

  
  
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  Bantam Play 3
  It's amazing how great the level of play becomes very shortly into the season. Often you will find a whole family, including cousins, grandparents and even neighbours out for the games.
  octobre 21, 2009 @ 11:43

  
  
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  Cast a Daily Vote for Kids in Sports
  Storage, additional change rooms, an officials room, additional washrooms are all part of the vision for the upgraded space at the James Jerome field house (Lily Creek). Thanks to the GREAT bunch folks who pulled this video together. CAST a VOTE NOW!
  novembre 23, 2009 @ 4:20

  
  

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Seuls les 1000 commentaires les plus récents sont affichés.

• Sandy McD

  This league for young players promotes all the necessary ingredients for future success in sports and community living. The coaching and facilities are excellent and any improvement is a bonus. The volunteer coaches and officials and administration need take bow for their dedication. This is a wonderful programme.
  octobre 22, 2009 @ 12:32 EST

  
  

• Hoots

  Joe's love of family, friends and team helped make him one of the individuals that dramtically influenced my life. Joe's determination, skills and sportsmanship certainly made him a role model for me and the Joe Mac league tries to instill these same core beliefs in all players and coaches. Hopefully, others don't die in the line of duty defending his community and for those that do we certainly need to remember and inspire others to live and be strong but also to never forget those that have given the ultimate sacrifice. Dr. Staffen - you continue to inspire me. Good luck.
  octobre 23, 2009 @ 7:59 EST

  
  

• Joanne

  The Joe Mac league has been a great organization for my son. Playing football has helped him in so many ways - increasing fitness and self-confidence and building friendships. I would recommend this league to anyone who has a troubled pre-teen/teen - it will change their outlook on life for the better.
  octobre 23, 2009 @ 7:04 EST

  
  

• Nexus Canada
  Nexus Canada Inc
  705-525-4819

  We are proud to represent Aviva as one of our insurers, their committment to community is very obvious. Please show your support by voting daily. This is a more than worthy cause! Nexus Canada Inc.
  octobre 23, 2009 @ 7:15

  
  

• alexandermic

  The Joe MacDonald Youth Football league is awesome! Not only for the kids but everyone involved. This project will help out football, soccer, the summer games THE COMMUNITY. Vote daily. Thank you Aviva for making this contest possible.
  octobre 24, 2009 @ 7:15 EST

  
  

• lorrymacdona

  I could not agree more; I have children who participate in both soccer and football and use this particular field for both sporting events.They play at the houseleague level as well as the competive levels. These are sadly the best soccer and football fields in Sudbury. If you are involved in competitive sports and travel to other cities, not just southern onatrio but even north of sudbury, you will understand why our community needs updated facilities. We seem to have been left behind as the rest of Ontario has moved forward. The Joe Mac football league operates on a volunteer basis and all the hard work is appreciated by all who participate. The real winners of this league are the children and Joe would have loved that.
  octobre 24, 2009 @ 8:09 EST

  
  

• Makker

  A boy that plays hockey for me came to practice after a JOE MAC football game and was just beaming. He told me he had an absolute blast playing football. The positive impact that this league has on young people it truly outstanding and certainly worthy of its name. Joe would be proud of these kids. He spent a significant amount of his police career as a Police buddy, where he personally influenced children in our Community. It is heart-warming to see Joe's passion for youth carry forward today. I truly hope that the citizenry of Sudbury rally behind this cause, in honour of both Joe's legacy and our children's future.
  octobre 26, 2009 @ 2:51 EST

  
  

• lizzy-tish

  My 3 children were all involved with Joe Mac years ago. They continue to talk about the excellent experiences and the fun they had. This is an amazing orgainzation, filled with exceptional people giving of their time, knowledge and experience. It is nice to see the support from the community grow for the Joe Mac Football League.
  octobre 27, 2009 @ 12:36 EST

  
  

• Coach Fav

  It's incredible to see that Blue Sky Financial staff in North Bay are even supporters of this worthy cause!
  octobre 28, 2009 @ 5:14 EST

  
  

• footballmom

  This is an incredible sports program that truly has made a positive impact on my sons lives! I credit Joe Mac and the endless list of dedicated volunteer coaches for helping my son grow both in sport and in personality. I could not imagine a better investment than in our youth.
  octobre 28, 2009 @ 8:07 EST

  
  

• TaraH

  How great will it be to have rooms available at the fieldhouse for players and referees? Maybe even a first aid room...I can tell you, I would rather have my kids change out of their goose poop smeared clothing before they get in the van :) PLEASE PASS THIS LINK ON TO AS MANY IN YOUR EMAIL LIST AS YOU CAN. They won't mind as it will help everyone. Cheers!
  octobre 29, 2009 @ 10:02 EST

  
  

• #5

  Our coach's are awesome, coach Tim wrote me this at the end of this season..."Louis#5 you have improved by leaps & bounds. You are one of our leaders. The younger players look up to you and they watch you play the game. They have become better players because of you. You play with character and you play for the team. I'm really glad you play for us." My coach makes me feel good about myself and proud to be part of such an amazing league. Please support our vote for a better place to get ready before and after the game so that we can spend more time with our teams and our coaches building our team spirit out of the rain. Louis
  octobre 30, 2009 @ 9:16 EST

  
  

• Pat

  My son played in the Joe Mac League for 4 years and it brought him from a shy and quiet boy to a confident and outgoing young man. Everyone gets to play and every position is important to the team. The coaches emphasized good sportsmanship and fair play. This was a great confidence builder and a great testament to Joe's vision.
  octobre 30, 2009 @ 11:35 EST

  
  

• footballfan

  My youngest son has played for two years with the MiniMac portion of this incredible league. As a Physical and Health educator and a school and parent coach myself, I am extremely impressed with the dedication; knowledge base; coaching style and complete understanding of how to motivate, educate and build confidence in young children that the coaches demonstrated. It is so wonderful to see our fields being used and used well. This league is deserving of an improvement to its fieldhouse in order to continue this family-oriented activity that is such a wonderful tribute to a great man. Kudos to all involved ...keep up the good work. A very satisfied parent.
  octobre 30, 2009 @ 12:54 EST

  
  

• Denis C.

  My son has played for this league for the past 6 years. He has gained a wealth of experience and confidence with the training and coaching he has received. This is a great opportunity for our community to help make the JMYFL even better than it already is (as if that is possible). Thanks to all the coaches and volunteers who make this league run the way it does. A big thank you also goes out to Benny, who spends so much time making sure all the players are fitted properly with all their equipment. Your efforts certainly do not go unnoticed.
  octobre 31, 2009 @ 12:13 EST

  
  

• bubba

  This such a worthy cause. Football not only teaches sportsmanship but life skills a well. The friendships that are formed a cast in cement and no matter how many years pass by the memories are still vibrant as they were. I played football back in high school and I can assure you those were pretty good times. Keep voting , Sudbury needs a facilty like this.
  novembre 2, 2009 @ 9:56 EST

  
  

• kohuts

  I have 3 sons that started in Joe Mac football, two of the older boys went on to play high school ball and Gladiators. The league helps to grow football in our city and keeps kids active and off the street. Both the older boys help coach there brothers team giving back to where it all began. We need this facility to grow this sport and keep it alive in our city .
  novembre 3, 2009 @ 9:24 EST

  
  

• Dawn

  My sister and her family live in Sudbury and they knew the gentle giant Joe...my brother is a police officer and our son is becoming a police officer. Although I live hundreds of km away I love the project and wish the entire community of Sudbury good luck in their race to win...keep it going.
  novembre 7, 2009 @ 8:43 EST

  
  

• sudbury_rox

  Such a great initiative and such an important facility for our city's kids. Make sure you vote EVERY DAY to bring this funding to Sudbury, and build on Joe's memory and passionate vision!
  novembre 10, 2009 @ 1:11 EST

  
  

• tim

  My husband Tim is a coach in this league & I become a willing "football widow" every year for the season. Our players at this level start as learners & transform into a "team" within the short season. This organization does more for kids (and families) than any other sport I know. Even our old dog Mugsey was the mascot for a season or two. Paula
  novembre 14, 2009 @ 3:15 EST

  
  

• Josce

  I don't have direct contact with this organization but I knew the MacDonald personally and it is a great way to keep his memory alive. I want to congratulate all who donate this time to keep the kids active and to keep Joey's memory alive. I'm sure Nancy and the girls appreciate all your hard work.
  novembre 16, 2009 @ 10:27 EST

  
  

• macleanph

  Joe was a good man as well as a good friend. The football league established in Joe's name has been a great gift to the children and familys of the Sudbury region.
  novembre 16, 2009 @ 6:00 EST

  
  

• mamabear

  Joe was a super person...his nickname "gentle" was well fitted for this man. What a lost to the community. At least his name is still alive....and will be forever.
  novembre 17, 2009 @ 6:02 EST

  
  

• rushfaneh

  Just doing my part in honouring Joe and the Sudbury area hopes to get enough support to get $250,000; all in all, it's a nice gift for the children of this community. Best of luck.
  novembre 17, 2009 @ 11:10 EST

  
  

• DarylDude

  This is a great way of remembering a local fallen hero. Thanks to all who organized this!
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 7:32 EST

  
  

• sudburyyouth

  17 years ago a group of individuals sat down to honor Joe thru the creation of this football league. I am proud to say that I was one of the individuals at that meeting and that I continue to devote numerous hours to our community thru the league. To me it is more than football, it is more than our community, it more than even the youth, it is showing the world that even in tragedy good things can happen and that by the hard work of a few individuals, Joe's spirit will never be forgotten and his name and spirit will continue to be remembered in our community and abroad. When I first heard of this contest I thought of the league immediately and what good could be done for it, our youth and the community in general. Many people said you don't have a chance as you are going up against bigger communities and organizations but I believed we could win... as we come down to the 3rd round it is questionable if we will continue on to the next round but I can guarantee you that we have WON. I ha
  novembre 20, 2009 @ 10:29 EST

  
  

• LK

  Our son and daughter both played soccer at this particular field as young children as well as basketball,football ,and volleyball at the highschool level. All of these sports have helped to give them self confidence, leadership skills,good self esteem and have helped them to become responsible citizens of their communities. After at least two decades it is time to update and expand these badly needed facilities.
  novembre 21, 2009 @ 12:41 EST

  
  

• Tara

  Right on, LK! Sports help all kids in so many ways. This field house could be SO GOOD! Let's all vote daily! We're coming up in the standings and HAVE TO make it to the top 20!!!
  novembre 23, 2009 @ 2:40 EST

  
  

• tim

  I've coached in the Joe Mac League for quite some time now. Every season is a fantastic, banner season regardless of wins and losses. Our kids are having fun, learning sportsmanship, gaining self- confidence, finding out what it is like to be a part of a team where one player is just as important as another regardless of ability or size. They learn to depend on and support each other. If a mistake is made, no one gets on anyone's case in a "put down" manner. including the coaches.This is all part and parcel of the philosophy of this great League. Our youngest son played three years in the League and he still talks about the plays and the friends he made. I'm very proud of all the kids that I've had the privilege of coaching over the years. All our young athletes who use these facilities deserve the best.
  novembre 24, 2009 @ 3:16 EST

  
  

• amy17

  come on guys we need moree votes!
  novembre 29, 2009 @ 3:31 EST

  
  

• petra

  Great idea! This field gets used a lot and needs an upgrade.
  novembre 29, 2009 @ 6:36 EST

  
  

• voice

  Now that Round 3 is almost over, we were hoping to enlist the support of your voters to join with us for another community project trying to help our troubled youth. Each year thousands of bright, creative, promising Canadian teens quit school before graduating. At 2nd Act (registered as idea 1789) we recognize the crucial role self-esteem plays in a student's decision to drop-out. Our educational 2nd Act Program, which includes drama, mock trials, debating, public speaking and slam poetry, helps build the confidence of secondary students. 2nd Act is a non-profit based in Montreal and has touched the lives of more than 600 teens over the past 3 years. With your vote we can help make the future brighter for everyone. The semi-final round begins Dec 2, please visit our project and help support us by continuing to vote after the third round ends. Thank you so much! http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf1789
  novembre 29, 2009 @ 7:04 EST