NAJIFF is celebrating our 40th year of service to the community where we work to achieve the athletic and academic growth of our young men and ladies. Adam S. Penna, Rex Brien and Richard Campbell had a dream and a personal mission to develop a wholesome program where weight was not a factor, but rather, establishes a program that mirrors the school program based on grade and age.

Early on in 1969, Lackland Air Force Base was the birth place of NAJIFF that quickly joined with Fort Sam Houston, Randolph, Kelly and Brooks Air Force Base. Soon after, "civilian" organizations became an integral part and now NAJIFF has grown into what it is today, a program to be shared by all within the San Antonio Metropolitan Area and South Texas.

2009 will bring some interesting changes. By virtue of the fact that we purchase our Football Insurance through Sadler, we have been associate members of the American Youth Football for years. We will now be registered and our Division Champions will be eligible to participate in the National Championship series. More details are yet to come concerning this.

NAJIFF has grown a bit in the off-season. Welcome to the McCollum Lil Cowboys, the Cowboys Elite, the San Antonio Steelers and the Toros. The San Antonio Panthers have moved downtown and will play as the Fox Tech Little Buffaloes and the San Antonio Broncos have moved to the Northwest and will play in the Brandeis HS area. Another change to our NAJIFF program, we are pleased to announce that we have entered into contract with Strikes and Stripes to serve as our officials for the 2009 season. Additionally, we are asking all parents this year to sign a "Code of Conduct" statement acknowledging that this is a youth sports program and that sportsmanship is key to a successful season.

And I have saved the best for last; NAJIFF is partnering with Dick Sports and they will sponsor NAJIFF Days or Nights where our members can purchase sporting equipment, clothes and other items at a significant savings. Their founder believes in giving back to the community and we thank them for their great support.

Our hat is off to every commissioner, coach, team parent and league staff member for their unselfish contribution to our community. Without their great effort, NAJIFF would not exist and children would be deprived of a great learning experience. The responsibility that our volunteers assume is not an easy task, however, the lasting memories and impressions that they make upon our kids are invaluable and appreciated.

Lastly, we are proud to be part of a great organization such as NAJIFF. We are committed to enhance and provide a meaningful program that offers and emphasizes sportsmanship, family, academic and a spiritual up-bringing. We are always interested in hearing feedback, both positive and constructive to make NAJIFF better each and every year. Your opinion is needed and important.

Good luck and have a great season!

The NAJIFF Executive Board