History of LWYFL:

For many years; The City of Lebanon’s recreations department organized and hosted a youth football league for the children of Lebanon. In those days; the league served children in grades 3rd through 6th. There were two divisions which consisted of 3rd and 4th graders and 5th and 6th graders.  Players within a division were placed on teams, and those teams would play against other Lebanon teams. Lebanon eventually invited Little Miami to join. With the addition of Little Miami; the families of Lebanon had a brief glimpse at what it would be like to play football against other communities.

Founding:

In 2001; a small group of coaches and parents approached the City of Lebanon and asked for permission to develop traveling teams in 4th, 5th and 6th grades. After receiving permission from City officials; three teams were formed. The coaches of those first traveling teams were Randy Logsdon (6th Grade), Steve Cochran (5th Grade) and Brad Norris (4th Grade). The traveling teams developed in this first year were not a group of select player’s. These were families willing and ready to step into a new challenge.  The opportunity to travel was not an easy decision for most, and those who did pioneered the first days of what would eventually become the LWYFL.  At the conclusion of the first traveling season; City officials met with the traveling coaches to discuss the future of Lebanon youth football. At that meeting; a decision was made by City officials to discontinue support of the traveling initiative. That night; on the sidewalk outside of City Hall a decision was made by the traveling coaches that they would form a separate traveling league in Lebanon.  This would offer participants the opportunity play against the best competition the area had to offer.  The LWYFL was founded and from then on the teams competed in the Western Ohio Junior Football Conference or WOJFC.

In the following years the Lebanon Warrior Youth Football League’s popularity took hold and quickly became the sole option in Lebanon for players and cheerleaders. In the first five years of operation; the LWYFL experienced tremendous growth going to over 500 players & cheerleaders in a few short years. The LWYFL, with support of the Lebanon City Schools, played their home games at James VanDeGrift Stadium, but it was clear that with the programs growth the LWYFL needed their own place to call home.  In May of 2005; construction on a donated piece of land situated behind Lebanon High School on Drake Rd would become the home of the LWYFL.  The project was supported by generous donations from local families and business with support from Lebanon City Schools and The City of Lebanon.  The initial phase of this project saw construction of the field, goal posts, scoreboard, grandstands, press box and concession stand.

Tradition of Excellence:

The LWYFL has developed a reputation of being not just a winning program but one of high character and sportsmanship.  Lebanon has been fortunate to call 4 teams Super Bowl Champions and 2 teams’ runners-up.  This was no small feat for a club as large as Lebanon, and without the luxury of select teams.  Coaches and players of championship worthy programs had to work extremely hard, and the LWYFL makes a special remembrance of their accomplishments with banners hanging from the LWYFL field house. 

Building on a strong Foundation (GCYC):

The LWYFL from its inception, made a commitment to the development of our cities youth for the betterment of our community and children’s futures.  It is with that commitment to excellence that, at the conclusion of the 2012 season and after 10 years of measured success, Lebanon (and a group of dedicated clubs) decided to exit the WOJFC.  In November of 2013; Lebanon became a founding member of the GCYC.  It is the LWYFL’s continued commitment to our youth and community that pushes the LWYFL forward during this endeavor. The LWYFL will continue to offer not only the highest level of completion available to our players and cheerleaders; but will also continue to push for the best training and equipment available to support our coaches and children participating in this league.  We look forward to many more years of continued development and success as leaders and founders of the GCYC.