On August 21st, the Vista Longhorn 12U Pop Warner team met at Barrel and Stave Pour House for pizza and team camaraderie which included Assistant Head Coach Steve Sibiski, Pop Warner President Maggie Quigless and Board Member Misha Carrido. The league started meeting at Barrel and Stave after they asked Owner Steve Thomas if the league could meet there regularly for meetings, and hang out after games. Steve said, “The kids on the team are all welcome here with their families.” The field they play on is Vista Magnet Middle School, which is right down the street from the Pour House.
Last year, due to COVID, there was no sports being played during their regular season. Practice started in July and they started playing in August. They will play eight and possibly up to ten games with Playoffs and bonus games.
Coach Sibiski said, “Steve’s contribution is huge as it allows us to help a lot of families that can’t afford for their kids to play. Within the organization, it can only help so many other kids that wouldn’t have a chance to play. It’s tough to not have a kid be able to play.” “The contribution allows ten kids to play due to the extra funds and to have the kids be able to play a sport, get experience and be with their friends. It’s enjoying, learning and building great relationships also.”
Over 100 kids are participating now. In the past there were over 200. Less kids are playing for different reasons such as finances, population changes and people moving. The fields are currently in great condition and very green by not being used over the last 1-1/2 years.
Steve said, “I am a big supporter of Youth Sports, and I Love Football! My son graduated last year as Left Tackle at Santa Fe Christian. I will continue to be involved in sports even when he is off to College.”
Steve talked to Maggie and said there must be some kids who cannot afford it and want to play. Equipment is very expensive, such as shoulder pads, helmets, cleats, and it’s more than other sports. For instance, basketball players need shorts, a shirt and sneakers. Football is more. Steve asked Maggie, “Do you have players that would play that parents do not have the means to do that? Bring them in so they can play and I will take care of it.”
Steve and the Barrel and Stave Pour House donated $3,000 to the team. Coach Sibiski said, “we appreciate this, to build a family and a community relationship. We are blessed.”
