Youth Football League Seeking Much-Needed Equipment In Buffalo Grove

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Buffalo Grove Bills Youth Football and Cheerleading is celebrating 50 years of existence in 2022. With countless local kids going through the program over the past six decades, the league has impacted the lives of many.

Recently, the league launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the current and future needs of the players and cheerleaders, according to Alexander Nunez, who is organizing the campaign. The goal is to raise $40,000.

"We make all of our money on registration," Nina Sibo, co-president of the Bills, told Patch. "With so many other programs around this area and coming off of COVID-19, it has greatly impacted our numbers and we are trying to build back a staple that has been in the Buffalo Grove community for so long."

Sibo the fees collected from registration pay for rental of the field, reconditioning of equipment, jerseys, new cheer uniforms/poms, food for concessions, fees for games, insurance and more.

"Basically, [it takes up] all operating costs with not much left over for incidentals that always arise," Sibo said.

For the 2023 season, the Bills had hoped to get all new helmets, pads and practice/game pants. Football and cheerleading equipment is the most expensive costs the program endures every season, according to Sibo.

"The Bills are not just about the game of football or cheer. Many don't realize that we are also a second home to many kids, a second parent, a place to feel safe or be yourself," Sibo said. "We help so many families and also give back when we can to the community."

Examples of how the league assists the community include bake sales to donate to other organizations, coat drives, food drives, meals for a women's shelter, adopt-a-highway.

"We will be helping the village shovel driveways this winter for the elderly and we hope to continue to for another 50 years," Sibo said. "But, we cannot do it alone. We need help."

The league has prioritized replacing old helmets and shoulder pads. Though these are the most important parts of the equipment in terms of player safety, they are also the most expensive. The league is hoping to replace the current inventory for next season. Sibo said the new items will last for more than 10 years.

To learn more about the Buffalo Grove Bills Youth Football League, visit here. To donate to the GoFundMe, make sure to head over here.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.