By DIANE M. MOORE
The Holmes County Pirates PeeWee Football Association began looking for sponsors and holding fundraising efforts in March and are now accepting registrations.
“We are excited to see the return of football and cheer to our community,†President Caleb Segers said. “It has been a long time since Ponce de Leon has had a league for our children to play in close to home.â€
The league has no affiliation with the Town of Ponce de Leon but is instead run by a board and is a non-profit organization benefiting minors. There will be four age groups in football, three for cheer and a pep squad. Age groups for football are: 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12. Cheer is 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12. The pep squad is for the 5-6 age group. Teams will play in the Wiregrass League against teams in Alabama and Graceville.
Sponsors and donations are needed, according to Segers.
“Any funds received will be used to grow and develop the program, along with the kids in it,†Segers said. “Any amount will help and is greatly appreciated.â€
For $150, a business/person can be featured on a helmet of a player or choose to sponsor a helmet in memory of a person of your choice. For $300 a business/person will have a spot on the travel banner that will be posted at every game, home and away.
Coaches for both cheer and football are needed including head and assistant coaches.
The cost for registration, which includes uniforms, is $75 for football and pep squad and $100 for cheerleading. The last day to register is June 17. The season will open on July 24 with the first game being held in Ponce de Leon.
For more information call Caleb Segers at 850-768-6674, email piratespeeweefootball@gmail.com or visit their Facebook at Holmes County Pirates PeeWee Football & Cheer.
Hannah Collins 
GARETT VALCOURT 
Jim Saunders 