Winston County is home to two youth football teams – the Winston Chiefs and the Winston Bulldogs. While the Winston Chiefs and Winston Bulldogs offer the same opportunities to play to youth in Winston County, the Winston Bulldogs is organized by a group of parents who fundraise, solicit donations, and often anonymously step up to pay the fees for equipment and travel so that children who might not otherwise have the chance are able to play.
Plus, the Winston Bulldogs even have a female playing on one team.
The Winston County Bulldogs was organized in 2018 by Perry Young and Eric Johnson. They chose the Bulldog mascot because of Winston County’s close proximity to Starkville and Mississippi State, whose mascot is the infamous “Bully.” James Edwards, current president of the organization, became a part of things with the intention of simply coaching. His son was playing, and he wanted to be an involved parent. In 2022, Edwards and Johnson took over leadership positions in the Winston Bulldogs, and that’s when the group became a “no fee” organization.
Edwards pointed out that Jake Shoens is the Vice President of the Winston Bulldogs.
When asked about how the organization is funded – as any youth sport can be insanely expensive – Edwards replied, “We honestly have some great parents that help us with fundraisers in the spring and summer. We do bake sales and BBQ sales. We also have some local businesses that help us out with donations. That’s how we do it for free.” Edwards added that it typically costs about $4,000 between fees (that must be paid to the league) and insurance.
Not only does the organization pay for all fees and equipment, but they often provide meals to the players and families after a game. They also provide all trophies for the awards banquet (as well as the banquet itself). “We had a lot of kids that couldn’t pay when it was time for dues every year, and one day I decided we should try to let everyone play for free. We have a lot of equipment and uniforms, so we already had a good start. We’re going into our third year with no fees,” related Edwards.
The president of the Winston Bulldogs also shared that the team benefits from the participation of a young lady, Mi’Yoka Goss has been a part of the football team for two years, and “is a really good player,” making the All-Star team in 2023. Goss scored the game-tying touchdown in the youth league’s Super Bowl. “So we accept girls for football, too!”
Interested individuals may donate by making a cashapp donation (the team’s tag is $WEBulldogs1) or they may purchase items at the bake sales and BBQ events. “Everything we get we spend back on the kids some way or another,” said Edwards. He added that they plan to get new uniforms for two age groups this year.
The Winston County Bulldogs offer football teams for ages between five and twelve. As there is no registration fee, those interested in participating need only bring their birth certificate to register. The team plays other youth football teams from Lake, Union, Newton and Neshoba. “A lot of parents help out with rides for the ones without transportation and we coaches usually have a car-full ourselves.
The Bulldogs also have cheerleaders for each team.
Edwards brought his own personal love of sports to the program, and he works with other parents and the community to give young people a positive activity in which to participate. The 9/10 year old team of 2023 won last year’s Super Bowl, and they have also had three championships during the life of the team. The 11/12 year old division has won two championships while the 9/10 group has won one.
Each year at the end of the season, the team meets at Lake Tiak O’khata for their awards banquet, and they have also distributed rings as well as trophies to award the kids.
