A recent disagreement between the previous board of Naugatuck Pop Warner (“NPW”) and officials from Southern Connecticut Pop Warner (“SCPW”) has resulted in an unfortunate series of events that jeopardizes the fall football and cheer season. Others are free to point blame and/or draw conclusions as they deem appropriate, but I have been asked to serve as interim president of a new NPW board. If I choose to accept, my sole focus will be to try and save the 2023 season and give our student-athletes a place to play and cheer together in Naugatuck.

While I have coached multiple sports in Naugatuck for 30 years, many seasons without kids in the programs, I have avoided board involvement in almost all of them. Fall is a busy time for our family. In addition to work, coaching and being the public address announcer for Naugatuck Greyhound Football, our family will be traveling each weekend to watch our son play his senior year as a WR for WPI (Roll Tech!). I am contemplating service in a temporary capacity only because of the importance that Naugatuck Football has played in my life, that of our family and all those who have positively benefited from it for over 120 years. If I choose to pursue this arrangement, the interim board that I will appoint will organize new elections in 2024 open to anyone interested.

Time is of the essence. The previous board is in possession of all paperwork that has already been submitted for the upcoming fall season. I have known and coached with many of the previous board members over many years. Collectively and individually they have done many good things for youth sports in the Borough while volunteering countless hours. I believe we have reached an agreement that will allow for the transfer of all documentation and equipment.

I was asked to go to the recent meeting between NPW and SCPW but could not attend as it was the night of a Union City playoff game for a team I manage. I know only what I have heard from others, accounts of which vary. I also supported a move away from SCPW as I believe Naugatuck Football is better served playing teams against which it competes in the NVL and/or with other communities that build their youth football organizations as developmental leagues for a single, high school program. That being said I have enjoyed the high-level of competition and camaraderie of SCPW associations and their coaches and experienced much success in my eleven years as a coach.

At this time there is no knowledge or record of who registered, how many registered or whether or not we can field teams at various levels. I also hope that we can all put adult emotions aside and realize that Naugatuck student-athletes are best served playing with their friends and classmates in Naugatuck. I would call on the NPW president of the previous board, James Craft, to issue a statement in support thereof. James is a man of integrity and Faith and a great Dad who always puts the interest of the kids he coaches first.

The interim board will be tentatively holding an open meeting on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, 6:30 PM at the Naugatuck Armory. Out of town representatives from SCPW or other Pop Warner-affiliated organizations will not be invited. The purpose will be to discuss what is needed moving forward to have a fall season, and answer any questions from all stakeholders. Those technically savvy enough to do so are free to stream it live and/or create a video conference for those who cannot attend. I will organize the meeting but reserve judgment until its conclusion whether or not I will accept the role of interim president. I encourage members of the previous board to attend. While we are free to differ with regard to preference, the only logistical choice if we are going to play this upcoming season is SCPW. We are aware that some parents requested refunds for registration fees already paid or waivers to play in other associations. I would personally support all such wishes once the existing documentation is received from the previous board, but respectfully request that you consider remaining in NPW after all information is presented and questions answered. The registration period would need to be extended if we are to proceed.

There will undoubtedly be much discussion on social media about all that has transpired. While we all have freedom of speech in this amazing Country and often get caught-up in discussions from time to time, I would urge all involved to practice restraint, patience and a focus on making sure our kids have the opportunity for an enjoyable fall season with their friends and classmates. In addition to the meeting, I am available on my cell phone at 203-217-0876, by email at bob@bobmezzo.com, or comments on this post by registered parties on my personal blog, www.bobmezzo.com . If anyone is interested in serving on the interim board, please contact me directly. Thank you, God Bless and Go Hounds.