"Are YOU Ready For Some Football?!”

“Wow! What game was that?” you ask. Pop Warner Challenger Division football, of course, played by athletes who know what it's like to deal with adversity and come through with flying colors!

The 18 players who took the field today at Pop Warner Super Bowl Week – 2005 were all from East Greenbush Pop Warner – just east of Albany , NY. Everyone of those players had a “buddy” who worked with him, or her, to field two full squads of gung-ho guys and girls for some well organized, all out fun at one of the best youth football facilities in the country.

“Football for kids with disabilities?” You bet, its flag football. It's action-packed And, heads up, America! Challenger Division football is sparking interest in communities large and small all over the country. And, for good reason. ” It's all about normalcy,” said Peter Pelleschi , father of Roman Pelleschi a five year old wide receiver and defensive back for East Greenbush. “Challenger football lets kids do things just like other kids, and it does wonders for building their self-esteem”

For each game, Roman buddies up with his 9 year old brother Pete, who also plays Pop Warner Jr. Pee Wee Division football , to form a one-two punch of sibling-pride that brings a smile to the face, and a tear to the eye, of Peter and Danielle Pelleschi, their proud parents. “ Roman likes all things football. And he loves to do the same things his big brother does. And, Challenger Football lets them, and all the rest of these kids, enjoy the same excitement and the same involvement in football. It's absolutely great! “

Standing with the parents of these terrific kids as they lined up to form a pre-game welcoming tunnel, you could feel an energy and emotion every bit as complete as anything you'd see in any other level of Pop Warner football.

“ The kids love this , “ said Rich Grace one of the founders of the East Greenbush Challenger group. “They play in all kinds of weather, the love the atmosphere , they feel the same sense of team work and individual accomplishment as any other kid who plays football.”


In fact, the great thing about watching this game today was the “club” atmosphere of the entire afternoon. And, the action? We saw end runs for touchdowns by Antoinette Fusco and Phil Isaacson, an off tackle blast for a score by Billy Freeman and big time scoring scampers by Amy Dugan, Joey Leininger
Danielle Dinceuse , Kenzie Edwards, Andy Valente , Kevin Mooney, Steven Sheehy , Jamie Adams , Alissa Hindes , Joie Adams , Edward Scott , Joey Genzano , Amy Jonas , Edward Scott, Ryan Hannigan and the scooter - Roman Pelleschi. “Game ball” for the day ?

Undoubtedly, it goes to Tom Mooney who ran a big- time reverse for one touchdown , threw for two more, and led his team in tackles.

But, the very best thing about this wonderful game was seeing the faces of the players, and hearing the cheers of the spirited cheer leaders who support this great groups of kids, as they posed for team pictures arm in arm…heads held high , mud stained uniform shirts and smiles a mile wide. “Football for kids with disabilities?” You bet…and Pop Warner is showing us the way. For more information on how to organize your own Challenger Division football team, or league, get in touch with Sam Mutz- Football Coordinator for Pop Warner at 215-752-2691.