Basics:  First you need to know that LUYAA stands for the Linganore Urbana Youth Athletic Association.  What that means is that the organization is a combined effort of two communities working together for a better whole.  The two parts are both in central Frederick County and consist of the Linganore High School District and surrounding areas and the Urbana High School District and the surrounding areas.  Linganore's team logo is a Lance.  An American Indian Lance to be specific.  Hence they go by "Linganore Lancers".  Urbana's mascot is a Hawk so we have the Urbana Hawks.  The colors are as follows:  Linganore is Scarlet Red and Black while the Hawks are Royal Blue and White.  The programs participate in multiple leagues and have lots of player placement options, levels of play, and match making ability.  They opt to participate in the states premier Mid Maryland Youth Football League or MMYFCL.  

Rules and Stuff You Need to Know:

The fact is  I can't imagine what a parent could want that was not offered in some way shape or form between both football programs.  O.K. the MMYFCL has 5 seperate divisions and levels of play.   Advanced, Intermediate, Novice Ulimited and Instructional  They offer levels for each specific age group your child may be in... Varsity 13-14, 12,11,10,9, 7-8 and Pitt Bulls made up of 5-6 yr olds.  all levels have full contact, full playing fields and referees w/ the exception of the Pitt Bulls.  Scores are kept and each team has an opportunity to play for a superbowl and or the Marland Youth Football State Championshipat from ages 7 and Up. The most competitive level culminates it's year by playing in the Ravens Stadium for the MD Youth Football Championships.  There is a must play rule for all levels...this is b/c the league is very involved w/ the NFL and b/c of the many sponsorships provided by the NFL for fields and grant money they follow some basic NFL rules for youth play.  One rule is that all kids must play!   The more instructional the level of football in the  MMYFCL the more playing time your child is guaranteed to get.   In the Mid Maryland Youth Football and Cheer League some divisions are tiered age and weight limits at each level.   This helps evenly match kids up w/ other kids their own size range.   

Highlights:  OVER 800 Kids Registered for LUYAA football in 2009.There is a reason!  Over 150 coach volunteers 50+ team moms over 35 teams... people are drawn to this organization and they produce winners.  Just look at the Urbana High and Linganore High winning percentages... A winning expectation and desire to prepare to do your best is achieved early for these young athletes.  No other youth program can say it produces more winners, more scholarships and better athletes.  If you want the best in the area and you want to be part of something bigger than football join LUYAA.  As an example the Linganore High School won the 2009 3A State Championship and produced 9 scholarship players.  All of who participated in LUYAA sports as young athletes.  This is a foundation to produce winners and strong athletes and part of a process that builds motivation and encourages athletes to be the best they can be. 

In 2009 LUYAA placed 24 youth teams in playoff contention, won 2 state championiships and had over 10 teams ranked in the Maryland State Youth Football Top 5.  Most area teams never even get recognized for the Maryland State Youth Football Rankings due to the lack of overall competition and the low level of play in their league but that's not for me to decide the independent state rating organization does that for everyone.

Many of the fields LUYAA football participants play on new artificial surface fields at the new Oakdale and Linganore High Schools and also due in large part to  the many  Howard County participants who enjoy great facilities.  The kids love playing on these new fields and envision being part of their local high school teams someday and playing in front of sold out crowds at these wonderful new venues.

LUYAA is extremely well organized and has full time paid staff positions to keep things running smoothly.  Those folks don't get paid enough but they do a heck of a job.  Coaches- I don't know for sure an exact count but I must say about 180 dedicated coaches volunteer their best efforts to ensure your kids get the most out of LUYAA football.  It's a family affair and a close knit group of people despite the friendly rivalry between the two sides. 

Quality of play-  well all I can say is go to some games and witness yourself the difference.  LUYAA teams demonstrate sportsmanship, fair play, discipline and have fun all the while. All coaches go through a background check and careful evaluation before being allowed to coach.  Most head coaches have at least 5 years of experience at youth football.  That's hard to find in an organization so large.  Many have been around forever and don't even have kids in the program they just enjoy coaching.

Equipment- Full uniforms are provided including helmets and game jerseys and all necessary pads except for mouthpiece and cup.

Fundraising- this group knows how to get it done!  A budget of nearly 300K per year stands to prove it.

High School Feeders:  Both the Linganore Lancers and the Urbana Hawks work closely with their respective High School programs to ensure the youth are being taught the principles needed at a higher level of play and this gives everyone the best shot at success later in upper levels.  Coaches attend clinics at the High Schools, Football Camps at the high schools and Conditioning Camps at the High Schools.  Players in LUYAA can always be seen at a High School ball game supporting their future programs and visa versa.  Coaches work w/ each other to make sure the youth football teams are being taught what the high schools want them to learn.

Look... I could go on and on but you get the idea....  There is just a big difference between community oriented organizations and those that recruit and draw players from all over the place.  A greater sense of pride and belonging to something you can look forward to later in life is very rewarding, motivating, and satisfying.  At the end of the day these folks get it done and have fun doing it.  If any of you had the opportunity to attend the LHS or UHS high school games you would see the large number of youth players watching the game and having fun proudly wearing their jerseys and fully accepted as part of the overall program.