WYF President Peter Caggiano Awaits Word from State Officials: Decision on Season Expected Soon

Winthrop Youth Football President Peter Caggiano is patiently awaiting a decision from the State Department of Education about whether the organization can go forth with its 2020 football season.

“We’re still waiting right now,” said Caggiano. “We were expecting a vote last week so hopefully we’ll know more this week.”

Winthrop youth football and cheerleading teams were supposed to begin practices Aug. 13. The season opener in the Cape Ann Youth Football League is usually the first weekend after Labor Day.

“We’ve had some signups, but I think most of the people are just waiting to get an affirmative answer first from the state and then from us,” said Caggiano. “We’re in limbo right now, just like everybody else.”

Pop Warner youth football, which is played in area communities such as Revere and Everett, has canceled its 2020 season. There will be no Pop Warner football played in New England this fall.

“I don’t think their [Pop Warner] decision influences our decision,” said Caggiano. “We’re waiting for the directives that come down from Gov. Charlie Baker and the Department of Education.”

Caggiano did indicate that any decision made by state officials and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) about the 2020 high school fall sports season would influence Winthrop Youth Football’s decision. High school sports practices are set to begin Sept. 14.

“If Winthrop High sports aren’t played this fall, our organization wouldn’t go forward with our season,” said Caggiano.

There is a possibility that should the Cape Ann Youth Football League season be canceled, Winthop Youth Football would hold a flag football [non-tackle] program at Miller Field or Ingleside Park.

“That [flag football] would be an in-house program in Winthrop and not involve any travel to other cities and towns,” said Caggiano.