Richard Goldston has a vision for a traveling Fort Scott Little League Football project for area grid-ironers. While many of these young athletes are currently playing football, they must travel across the state line to Nevada to participate. Right now, over 80 youngsters make up three fifth- and sixth-grade teams and two third- and fourth-grade teams that play in the Nevada Little League football program. The equipment they play with is very old and worn.
Table of Contents
Goldston’s Goal
Goldston, along with other parents, would like to see the football players have an opportunity to participate in a league along with Girard, Arma, and Frontenac, who are already established and playing each other. This would allow more children to play, as three games would be played in Fort Scott and only three games would be played on the road. The one obstacle to this is that this league does not provide safety equipment. Goldston estimates that equipment (pads, etc.) for each player, practice tackling dummies, and other expenses would cost nearly $20,000.
While the price tag of $20,000 initially sounds like quite a bit, Goldston commented that he feels it is more than worth it. He estimated that while the league games are being played in town, “about 500 people would be brought to Fort Scott and would spend money in local restaurants, gas stations, and other retail businesses.”
Future Plans
Future hopes for the league include building a concession stand with a storage area at the Fort Scott Middle School (where the games are planned to be played). Assistance for this building will be sought from the Building Trades class at the high school. Also, work is being done to install lighting at the field in the future.
How to Get Involved
Anyone interested in making a financial contribution to help make this project a reality may send their check made out to FSCAF at CFSEK (for 501(c)(3) tax advantages) to Richard Goldston, 5 E. Wall, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Put “Football” in the memo. These funds will be used to purchase the necessary equipment.