The Southwest Voice

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If you listen closely, you can hear the rumbling of 1,700 football cleats hitting the turf all across Kern County. Yes, folks, it’s football season again and Golden Empire Youth Tackle Football is in full stride as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.

In 1998 with only a vision and a plan, a handful of local men and women set out to create an all-county, inclusive and competitive youth tackle football program. With a lot of hard work, sweat, determination, and help from the community, that dream has come to fruition.

In just nine short years, Golden Empire has become the face of youth tackle football in Kern County and serves as a “true feeder program” for high school football in this community. Golden Empire’s presence can be felt not only on Saturdays, but also on Friday nights as many high school football programs continue to receive the benefit of hundreds of young local GEYF athletes between the ages of 7 and 14 years who have been prepared to play tackle football at the next level.

With youth tackle football programs in Arvin, Bakersfield, Tehachapi, Shafter, and Wasco, Golden Empire continues to be at the forefront of youth tackle football as it remains one of the largest and most successful programs of its kind in the state.

“Golden Empire is one of the finest youth football programs in the state and is a great place to start and build a strong football foundation,” said former NFL All-Pro wide receiver J.J. Stokes.

GEYF was formed to provide a competitive youth tackle football league for elementary and junior high school students. The primary purpose of GEYF is to give the youth of Kern County the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of youth football and cheer, as well as giving them tools to succeed through the friendships and character they acquire while playing on a team. GEYF has turned into a great developmental program for youth athletes of various skills and abilities. It also acts as a feeder program to local high schools as well. Many of the players have gone on to play at colleges around the country and make an impact both on and off the field.