League history
A History of Service...
Lacey Youth Football & Cheer (LYFC) has proudly served the youth of Lacey Township for more than five decades, providing generations of children with the opportunity to learn, compete, and grow through organized sports. What began as a community youth football program almost 50 years ago has evolved into a well-organized, professionally run league that supports both football and cheer athletes across a broad range of ages and skill levels.
LYFC traces its roots back to the early 1970s when local parents and volunteers saw a need for structured athletic opportunities for young people in the Lacey Township area. For decades, the league operated under the Lacey Pop Warner banner, focused on teaching football fundamentals, teamwork, and sportsmanship to area youth. In 1982, the league formalized its structure with incorporation, strengthening its administrative foundation and laying the groundwork for future growth.
Transition to AYF...
In 2011, the organization transitioned from its original Pop Warner affiliation to American Youth Football & Cheer (AYF/AYC). This shift reflected a broader effort by local Shore Conference youth football programs to offer a more flexible, age-based structure that better served its athletes and families. Under AYF/AYC, LYFC adopted divisions based on age rather than weight alone, helping to ensure fair and safe competition for participants of all sizes and skill levels.
This change also brought enhanced coach training resources, updated safety protocols, and increased flexibility at the local level — allowing LYFC to make decisions that reflect the needs and values of the Lacey community.
Looking Ahead...
As a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) charitable organization, LYFC remains committed to providing an inclusive, supportive environment where children can learn not only the fundamentals of sport, but also the character-building values that come from teamwork, discipline, and competition.
As LYFC approaches its sixth decade of service to Lacey Township families, the core mission remains unchanged: to offer quality football and cheer programs that help young athletes develop skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging. The league’s history is defined not only by years on the calendar, but by the thousands of children who have taken part, the volunteer coaches who have given their time, and the community spirit that continues to drive LYFC forward.
LYFC’s story is one of tradition, community investment, and continual improvement, and its history is the foundation for an exciting future of youth athletics in Lacey Township.
