Ohio Valley Elite Football Club

Ohio Valley Elite Football Club Vice President Ricky Youngblood's impressive history of discipline and hard-work has continued to resonate through his players over the years.

     Youngblood helps take care of business for the club when President Fred McDaniels is out of pocket. He is also instrumental in handling the finances of the organization that includes how donations are spent and managing the bank account.

     The duo met when McDaniels coached Youngblood’s third-grade son while playing for Beavercreek Youth Football. The following year they joined coaching forces and they’ve been on the sidelines together ever since.

     They’re both ecstatic for the inaugural event scheduled to take place in November in Beavercreek, Xenia and Centerville. 

     “This tournament will be an outlet for kids in the area to continue to play football once their traditional season is over,” Youngblood said. “We want them to continue playing throughout the winter months.”

     “We want to teach them it’s not only about football but about life,” said the 26-year Air Force veteran. “The kids will learn respect and camaraderie with others. My style is to lead by example. It’s the teaching moments for me I love the most and I immensely enjoy teaching the game to them.”

     The former collegiate athlete played basketball, football, baseball and ran track. He was also a referee for over 10 years and was invited to attend the NBA camp of the Milwaukee Bucks. 

     A fundraiser event is scheduled for Locust Hills Golf Course in Springfield on July 17 with a tee time of noon. There will be a follow-up fundraiser at Beavercreek Golf Club on Aug. 20. More information will be available as the events get closer. 

     Tryouts will be at Ankeney Middle School in Beavercreek on October 16 and 17. Participants need to show up with cleats, shorts, t-shirt or whatever they’re comfortable wearing.

      For more information you can search and follow Ohio Valley Elite Football Club on both Instagram and Facebook as well as www.ohiovalleyelite.com. You can also contact the club at 937-321-5965.

Written by James Baker

Print journalist

Ohio Valley Elite Football Club