New Lyons Football Club unveils game plan

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Updated: February 13, 2012 8:08AM

Lyons Township and Nazareth Academy have enjoyed plenty of success in football the past few seasons.

Dave Onion believes the future may be even brighter for football in the area after helping form the new Lyons Football Club.

“Lyons Township coach Kurt Weinberg asked us a couple years ago about creating an elite program for kids that wanted more competitive football,” said Onion, whose son, Connor, is the varsity starting quarterback for the Lions. “There is good enthusiasm for football in the community. I really anticipate this being a success.”

The Lyons Football Club — for players in third through eighth grade — has no weight limit and will compete in the Bill George Youth Football League.

Practices will be held five days a week, until school starts, then three times a week. The eight-game season will feature four home games at LT’s Bennett Field, in Western Springs, and four road games in towns such as Hinsdale, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, Wheaton, Elgin and Bartlett. Games will be held on weekends. The top four teams in the league will qualify for the playoffs, and the “Super Bowl” will be played the first weekend of November at Benedictine University, in Lisle.

Onion, the league’s president, started the club with board members Marty Kearney, Tim Sullivan and Mike Rohan. Paul Rogan and Tom Kelly will serve as directors.

“I love football, and this is a way for me to stay connected to the sport,” said Onion, whose son, Aaron, is an eighth-grader. “My kids went through the LT school district, and I believe this will be a good, long-term contribution to the community. We want to give kids exposure to football at a younger age to help them be mentally and physically prepared.”

The competitive travel program is designed to help players learn and develop the fundamentals of tackle football, with teams being formed based on age and weight. One of the club’s goals is to prepare players to compete in a high school athletic environment. The league stresses such values as self-discipline, teamwork, friendship, respect, leadership, character, sportsmanship and the importance of scholastic achievement.

Previously, Onion was a board member of the Western Springs Junior Football Association — which will be starting its 17th season in 2012 — for five years, and served as a head coach for seven years. He believes both area programs will work together regarding what’s best for the players.

“If we have kids that decide they don’t want to play five days a week, we’ll still refer kids to Western Springs,” Onion said. “I’m sure they will do the same if a player wants to play with us. There will be referrals back and forth.”

Registration for the Lyons Football Club will be held from 1-4 p.m. Jan. 29 at Grand Avenue Community Center, 4211 Grand Avenue, Western Springs.

For more information, visit Lyonsfootballclub.com.