The Goldbacks Youth Football & Cheer League located in Newburgh, N.Y., has earned Gold Level status through USA Football’s League Excellence Program for the 2024 season.       

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

The Goldbacks Youth Football & Cheer League offers an opportunity for kids ages 5-13 to participate in both flag and tackle football, as well as cheerleading. With four divisions based on age, every young athlete can find their place. The primary goal of the league is for athletes to enjoy the sport, embrace teamwork and have fun while competing. 

“Our mission is for everyone who comes and joins us is treated like family,” said Rick Ceglio, who has served as the program’s president for a decade. “Every decision we make checks two boxes. We ask, is it good for the kids, and is it good for our program?”  

The league relies on volunteers to run the program, helping to create a strong sense of family and community. These individuals dedicate their time to enhance the kids’ experience both on and off the field. It’s important to Ceglio that the kids “be brothers and sisters and remember their youth football days fondly.” 

This year, the league was proud to host its first-ever prep rally, which had a carnival theme.  

“The community came together to make this possible for the kids” Ceglio explained. “We had multiple fire departments and local ambulances come to our event to support the kids. We even did a candy drop from the ladder truck. This event was enjoyed by all the families in our league. We had various carnival snacks and bounce houses for everyone to enjoy.”  

The effort put into this prep rally highlights the program’s commitment to creating a strong community and family atmosphere off the field.  

As the Goldbacks Youth Football & Cheer League expands, Ceglio continues to receive support from USA Football to ensure he and his team of volunteers can continue their great work in their community. USA Football’s grants program helped the program scale to meet the needs of its athletes.  

“We have received a Riddell grant from USA Football,” said Ceglio. “This has allowed us to get new equipment for our expanding program and to ensure we have the best equipment for our athletes at a cost that is more affordable.” 

The Goldbacks Youth Football & Cheer League is a standout organization that entered USA Football’s League Excellence Program at the Bronze Level in 2021 before achieving Gold Level status in 2023 and 2024. Ceglio is grateful for the support he’s received as the league continues to raise its high standards.  

“USA Football helps provide support to leagues like us by creating a road map to ensure your league is offering the best experience for your players, coaches and parents,” he said. “These resources are invaluable to us. The support is instrumental in our continued success.”

Access to USA Football's Online Community, where coaches and league leaders can network and learn from each other, is available through USA Football Membership.  

Congratulations to the Goldbacks Youth Football and Cheer League on another successful year and for earning Gold Level status.