Translate:
EMPOWERING OUR YOUTH THROUGH ACTION
YALD is committed to provide the advocacy, educational and physical development that will strengthen the community's future.
Help Our Cause
Your gift will help underserved New York City youth have access to the sports and youth development programming that will help them succeed on and off the field.
SUMMARY
END OF SEASON SUMMARY
Eleven. That’s how many years YALD has been in existence and fortunately we’ve had the privilege to provide another extraordinary season. Not many organizations can say that they’ve constantly provided a high-quality product but YALD can. None of this could be done without the help of all our volunteers. This is a direct thank you to all the coaches, statisticians, referees, players and parents. YALD and this community is appreciative for everything you’ve done. In addition, we are proud to announce that for the first time in history, YALD will have a condensed winter league. This season has been an interesting one to say the least. Plenty of surprises both good and bad. This is the regular season review.
In 6th place were the Falcons – Led by Coach Leandro Castellanos and Assistant Coach Omar Verges. This was a surprising one for me. Unfortunately, they did not win a single game. They had some key departures and are in a rebuilding stage. However, Leandro Castellanos had his players as prepared as they could be. They showed a lot of fight and a lot of heart which is something you can’t teach or download. Veterans Woski Paulino, Justin Polanco and Elijah Santos played hard each and every game. Knowing Leandro for as long as I have, I know that he’s a very passionate coach and will work diligently this off season to get back to his winning ways.
In 5th place were the Buccaneers – Led by Coach Jason Cedeno and Assistant Coach Adalberto Fernandez. Last year’s champions struggled all year to find their identity but had some bright spots. Jordan Ceballos proved that hard work, determination and a positive attitude can take you places. His motor was nonstop all year. Led the league with 14 sacks and 3 safeties. Newcomer Justin Rivera has a lot of speed and an eagerness to do better. Once they address the quarterback situation, this team will be an exciting one to watch.
In 4th place were the Giants – Led by Coach Fernando Portilla and Assistant Coach Ricardo Rodriguez. This was a team that had so much promise and did very well at the beginning but tapered off as the season progressed. Returning player Breilin Ramirez provided a spark and worked in conjunction with veteran Michael Rodriguez. Defensively, they did not play as well as we anticipated thus finishing with a .500 record and missing the playoffs.
In 3rd place the Bears – Led by Coach Rob Valley and Assistant Coach Ismael Guadalupe. Throughout the years, the Bears have consistently gotten better and have made the playoffs for the first time in history. Sean Medina was a superstar throughout the entire season. This young man can do it all and proved that he’s one of the best in the game. Veteran Aniel Ramos also came on strong. Assistant Coach Ismael worked extensively with Quarterback Janluis Castro and it showed.
In 2nd place the 49ers – Led by Coach Kevin Camillo and Assistant Luis Rosario. As expected, this team did very well. Quarterback Colin Rodriguez had another spectacular season. Veterans Devon Valley and Zaire Trinidad were a problem for opposing defenses all season. Sprinkle Alexander Cruz and Jayden Pena, you have yourself a recipe for success.
In 1st place the Packers – Led by Coach Miguel Guzman and Assistant Coach Austin Guzman. The Packers played extremely well all season long. Quarterback Dylan Castellanos has flourished under the coaches’ influence. Mykael Sicard had a phenomenal season on both sides of the ball. Defensively, Johnathan Cruz and Mathew Gonzalez played excellent assignment football. They also have a few young players that seem to grasp the Packers concept and will be interesting to see what the future has in store for them.
Kelvin Valentin, Program Director
HEAD REFEREE KELVIN VALENTIN (L)
ASSISTANT REF CARLOS CASTELLANOS (R)