WAYNESBORO – The Waynesboro Stallions have been in the greater Waynesboro community for nearly 50 years. Through the efforts of volunteers, team administrators and volunteers, it likely will be involved for another 50 years.
Originating as the Pen Mar Stallions in 1977 with two football levels and a cheerleading squad, the program has grown to five different football and cheerleading levels that support over 200 athletes each fall. In addition to their name change, a color change from kelly green and gold to royal blue and gold occurred to align with the Waynesboro Area Senior High School Indians, the town’s football team.
Additionally, in the spring of 2022, the Stallions began offering flag football as an activity that players could join to keep up their skills over the off-season and to learn about the game and concepts of football without tackling, which begins in the later summer.
Part and parcel to the success of the Stallions organization is the continuity of those involved on the board of directors, coaches, volunteers and sponsors.
Youth sports organizations have undergone change in the past 10 or so years. And, in 2017, the Stallions made a big change by leaving the now-dissolved Keystone Youth Football and Cheerleading League feeder program that was local to Franklin County to compete against football programs that athletes will face should they pursue playing at the high school level.
“The decision to move onward to a different organization took a lot of discussion and planning but overall prevailed in being the best move that the organization could have made,” said Danielle McFerren, a board member and volunteer coordinator who has been associated with the Waynesboro Stallions since she was 7 years old.
The Waynesboro Stallions members in good standing of the Capital Football Association, based out of Harrisburg. The CFA is home to over thirty-eight youth football and cheer programs, serving as a strong presence in Pennsylvania, with local cities such as Chambersburg, Fairfield, Carlisle and Gettysburg as members of the league, respectively. Mercersburg and Greencastle have recently joined their organization.
“The Waynesboro Stallions take pride in building lifelong relationships with athletes and their families by offering transparency and opportunities for children to participate in both football and cheerleading from ages three to fourteen,” McFerren explained.
The Waynesboro Stallions are currently one of 12 teams in the Federal Division with the CFA.
“There is no guesswork for families and athletes in regards to playing levels that are available, and there is an established schedule for eight regular season games no matter what,” McFerren said. In addition to the eight regular season games that are played, if player numbers permit, the Waynesboro Stallions will also award the opportunity to players to participate in J.V. games with the CFA as well. This allows players to get exposure and playing time in other positions to help them grow their skills as athletes.”
There are division playoffs and super bowls each year, and additional bowl-style games for the Smurf level, along with a J.V. Jamboree for the Peewee, Pony and Midget divisions.
The Waynesboro Stallions cheerleading squads participate as sideline cheerleaders at all home and away football games. While learning to perfect the craft of strong and consistent sideline cheering, the Waynesboro Stallions cheer squads also participate in three cheerleading competitions in the fall providing the athletes with the opportunity to perform a routine that applies the concepts of sideline cheerleading and competition cheerleading all at one time. With more than one competition to participate in, it also gives the athletes a chance to improve as they compete over the course of the season.
Online registration available
The Waynesboro Stallions offer affordable rates for football and cheerleading. Flag football and cheerleading is available for players who are 3, 4, and 5 years of age for $30, with the caveat that the incoming player must be potty trained. Cheerleading registration for athletes entering kindergarten through eighth grade is $60. Tackle football is available for athletes entering kindergarten through eighth grade for $75.
The Waynesboro Stallions provide all standard equipment and uniforms for their athletes, following all protocols on equipment safety and regulations. Home for the Stallions is at Otterbein Recreational Park, located at 13775 Welty Road, and they are blessed to have a strong partnership with Otterbein Ministries to have a safe place to host a football game. Participation in the Waynesboro Stallions is open to all children who live in the Waynesboro and surrounding areas, so there are no stipulations regarding boundary lines and the ability to play.
No experience is necessary to register. The Waynesboro Stallions coaching staff has over 30 years of coaching experience combined across all levels, and they are always looking for new athletes who are interested in learning, being a part of a team, working hard and most importantly having fun.
“If you are looking for a forever home, the Waynesboro Stallions will welcome you with open arms. As their new mission statement says, ‘Bigger Hearts, Stronger Bonds…’ your athletes and family are sure to make, ‘Memories for a Lifetime,” said McFerren.
Registration will be open until June 26. Readers may click the link below for more information and to register your football player or cheerleader. If families have any questions, they can reach out to the Waynesboro Stallions via email at [email protected] or via messenger on Facebook. Please allow 24 hours for response time.
