Knights Football Needs More Players, Funds

The Southampton Knights have won six championships in the last four years—and now they’re struggling to have the same number of players their teams had in those past years.

President of the Knights Football Executive Board John Loughlin said every year the program has about 200 players in all age groups.

He said at this point in the year, there are usually about 120 kids who’ve already registered for this season; as of now there are only 66.

“We’re putting it to two key elements,” Loughlin said at a meeting to discuss the issues the teams face. “One, the economy being down. And two, the NFL is going through a lockout, so no one is thinking about football.”

Knights football has five different weight classes. Of those five, three traditionally have two teams each.

The danger in not having the same numbers for each weight class, he said, is that it will determine whether or not the Knights can fill a traditional second team. If a team is larger than usual, it will affect playtime for each individual player.

“The Knights are a winning organization,” corresponding secretary Mike Costello said in relation to why children should join one of the teams. “So, kids want to play for a winning organization rather than a struggling one.”

Another issue affecting the teams is raising adequate funds.

The Knights are putting on an event where attendees tailgate at Citizen Bank Park and go to a Phillies game. The fundraiser tickets were only open to those associated with the Knights, but are now being sold among community members.

At the meeting, the board also announced the Keystone State League, the governing body for the Knights as well as the other southeast Pennsylvania football leagues, has changed a league rule. This new rule allows those turning 15 years old after Sept. 1 to play on the 105 lb. team.

Knights tackle practice begins Monday, Aug. 1.