The Wheeler Bearcat Youth Football club has earned Gold Level status through USA Football’s  League Excellence Program for the 2021 season.

USA Football’s League Excellence Program is a way for youth football organizations to earn recognition for a commitment to raise operational standards and provide a great environment for athletes and their families. 

In just its fourth season of existence, Wheeler has created a great standard for youth football in Indiana. Led by Club President Paul Peters, the club has grown into a unified group that commits to their kid’s safety and development.  

“I wanted to create an opportunity for kids to play the sport we all love for the right reasons.” Peters said. 

This past season, the club had 74 kids between their fall and spring seasons spanning multiple game types. The club prides itself in the development and growth of its kids, so that they can learn to play the game properly. 
 

Along with progressing their players, the club also makes the safety of their kids a top priority. Coach certification is something that Wheeler utilizes to keep their kids safe. 

“It gives our coaches a great confidence that they have a feeling of knowing what they are doing.” Peters said. 

For Paul Peters, its more than just football when it comes to the kids. “We preach accountability because we want our kids to grow into great people.” Peters added.

Despite its youth as an organization compared to its competition, Wheeler has generated positive energy and connected to their community with great success. 

“We are a very tight-knit community, which means that all of our kids are friends.” Peters said. “Being in a smaller rural town, we are the place for the kids to gather, and we want to be a trusted and reliable place.”