Message from the President

The 2008 season promises to be an exciting one for the Libertyville Boys Club. As we celebrate our 75th Anniversary, we should reflect upon the determination and dedication of the many tireless volunteers who nurtured and sustained the LBC over the years. Their unselfish efforts have brought the LBC to its position of prominence in providing recreational activities to the youth of Libertyville and surrounding communities. It is my sincere hope that the LBC will continue to flourish and grow for generations to come.

The 2007 season was a season of challenges on several fronts. When we initiated flag football several years ago, we envisioned a slate of eight teams for players in Grades 1 through 3. Last year we split the league into two divisions, Kindergarten and 1st Grade, and 2nd and 3rd grades. The result was a league comprised of over 200 players and 16 teams that presented somewhat of a logistical nightmare that we had not anticipated. We expect even greater participation for the 2008 season and are taking steps to ensure that we have adequate volunteer staffing to oversee the operation of the flag football league. If you haven’t taken the opportunity to view a flag football game, you’ve missed kids being kids at their competitive best.

The in-house league continued under its new three-division format for the second year. The varsity division played under revised rules intended to facilitate the transition of the players to football at the high school level. Although we can’t predict our level of participation from year to year with complete accuracy, if a substantial number of players from the flag football league transition to the in-house league, we will be expanding the in-house program to accommodate the increased level of participants. There was a time when the number of participants was so meager that we only had four teams and we played eight rather than eleven man football. It continues to be our goal to offer programs that are flexible enough to serve as many participants as time and space permit.

The travel teams continued with their return to championship form. The Middleweights and the Lightweights both won the The Chicagoland Youth Football League Championship, with the lightweights completing an undefeated regular season. In addition, the Lightweight team participated in the National Youth Football Championships. The team won out over stiff competition and was crowned National Champions for the third year in a row, giving testimony to the fact that the LBC football program is one of the premier youth sports organizations in Illinois.

Participation in the cheerleading program remained somewhat on a par with the previous year. Although the enthusiasm of the coaches and cheerleaders was outstanding, we will be focusing our attention on this aspect of the LBC football program to determine an appropriate course of action going forward.

Finally, there were several negative incidents that occurred last season involving both coaches and fans. Rest assured that the LBC has had a process in place to handle issues involving coaches for several years known as the “Coaches Council”. Although appointed by the Board of Directors, the Council operates independent of the Board. The Council is the sole authority in dealing with issues of inappropriate behavior involving coaches. With respect to fan behavior, preseason meetings will be held with all parents at all levels of competition detailing what is and what is not appropriate behavior. Attendance will be mandatory for one or both parents. We will enforce a policy of zero tolerance. Inappropriate behavior cannot and will not be tolerated and will be dealt with swiftly and appropriately. We expect our fans to provide positive reinforcement to participants regardless of the level of competition and regardless of their level of ability.

Finally, as in the past, I want to tip my hat to the many volunteers who contribute to the continued success of the LBC football program. My sincere thanks to the coaches, parents, local service organizations, and vendors who so graciously donate their time and resources in support of the LBC. You are the mainstay of the LBC year in and year out. We owe you a debt of gratitude.

Prior to the 2007 season, I said that we’d not only be bigger, but better -- and we were. Our 75th Anniversary promises to be one for the ages. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I urge you to get off the bench and be part of the action. Volunteer some of your time and be a part of history in the making. Your son or daughter will be glad you did, but not nearly as much as you will.

Sincerely,



Meade Detweiler
LBC President