SPROG, Inc. is a new neighborhood youth group that believes that fostering Love and Concern for others will lead to greater Love, Concern, and Awareness for self. The group began last May and has been meeting regularly at Grace Methodist Church. It is composed of about 30 junior and senior high school age neighborhood youths.
After the summer, possible fall projects were discussed at a weekly meeting. One project which seemed popular among the SPROG members was an idea to start a small football league for youth in the neighborhood not involved in SPROG.
Kenneth Brown, a senior leader in SPROG, decided that he would take the lead in making the project a reality. He contacted Henry Hall, a minister at Grace Methodist Church for his assistance. Henry contacted two coaches, Bernard Jackson and George Green of the Laclede Town Junior Football Leagues who said they would be available after their teams’ seasons were over around November 1.
Then Aldermanic Candidate Vince Schoemehl, Jr. was able to secure the support of the Department of Parks and Recreation for the use of a staff person, playing fields, and footballs to bring the SPROG project closer to reality.
Mrs. Dorothy Read and Jim Farrel met at Grace Methodist with Henry Hall to set a date when teams will begin formation. On November 10, 1975, the SPROG Football League will begin its first 8-week season.
If you are interested in supervising or watching our neighborhood’s youth in their constructive endeavors, call Henry Hall at 726-0721 or 863-1992 (messages). Thank you Kenneth Brown and SPROG for working to give our youth some alternatives.
Originally published in The Paper, November 1975.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1975_11.pdf, printed page(s) 4; PDF page(s) 4.
