During the 2011 season all seven of our Zion Jr. ZeeBees Youth football teams made it to the TCYFL playoffs. The TCYFL is the largest independent youth football league in the United States with 32 communities involved with the highest level of youth football competition in Illinois. The Jr.ZeeBees Big 10 Lightweights had an impressive year ending the season with 2nd place overall in the Ultimate division. Our Big 10 Heavyweights won it all, going a perfect 13-0, being named division champions and also gaining our first TCYFL Championship since joining the league four years ago Additionally The Jr.ZeeBees celebrated two of our Lightweight players finishing 2nd overall in their age divisions during the Dicks Sporting Goods Pass Punt and Kick Competition.
During 2011 we took time recognize our student athletes that performed well in classroom and on the field. We awarded 58 players and cheerleaders with an Athletic Scholar Award and look forward to this number growing during 2012 Season. We would like to thank Veolia Environmental services, Ink and Tees, The Zion Police Association, The Zion Fire Association and Zion Township for making this award possible.
The ZBYFL Board of Directors took on a new look during the 2011 season as we said goodbye to Tim Neargarder and Courtney Walls, who have combined for over 30 years of community service to our youth. We welcomed in three new board members, and have our sights set on another fun filled football season. During 2011 the Jr.ZeeBee program was able to give back to the great communities of Zion and Benton Township’s and raised $250 for Midwestern Regional Medical Center’s Assistance in Healthcare. The Jr. ZeeBees also collected canned goods instead of admission at our home playoff games and together with the Waukegan Jr. Bulldogs donated canned goods and jackets to the food pantry at North Point Community Church. A $500 donation was made to North Point Community Church’s Food Pantry by TCYFL Cares Fund.
Our board of Directors is currently planning the 2012 season; you can expect to see some of the same faces as well as some new ones. As Northeastern Illinois Premier Youth Football Program, the Jr. ZeeBees are excited to bring you another season of Flag Football, Tackle Football and Cheerleading. Keep checking our website jrzeebees.com and our Facebook Page Zion Benton Jr. Zee Bees for more information. Our first Registration date is March 3, 2012 between 10:00am and 2:00pm at the Zion Leisure Center.