Stephen Davis Retired All- Pro running back Stephen Davis recently announced the creation of the Stephen Davis Youth Football League. Davis said his youth football league is one of his most important ventures. It will allow him to share with the youth some of the advantages he has gained from his participation in youth, college, and professional football.

"I enjoy coaching and teaching kids not only about the sport of football but about the opportunities that it provides. I like to share the discipline that football teaches, the importance of a positive attitude, the character- building, the concept of working as a team and the overall aspect of football," Davis said.

Davis's youth league is part of the well- known Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. league that is the nation's largest youth football and cheerleading organization. This youth athletic program is known for its emphasis on education and scholastic aptitude.

In order to participate, students must provide proof of a minimal grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. If a child does not meet these requirements, Davis will arrange tutoring to help them reach that goal. He is working with the Columbia YMCA to offer tutoring sessions on the days that the teams will not be practicing.

Davis, who has played organized football since the age of eight, supports and promotes Pop Warner's scholastic requirements because he was affected by the NCAA SAT score requirements.

"The reason I am so stern about grades is because I had to sit out my first year of college, because I didn't score well on the SAT. That almost killed me, because I wasn't able to participate and play with the guys I knew and trained with. That was a learning experience for me. It was probably one of the most important years of my life. It made me get on track with my grades. After that, I got on the Dean's List and never got off it."

In addition to good grades, there is a required registration fee of $120. This total covers the child's registration, insurance, and uniform. Davis is seeking sponsors to assist in the participation costs for families who may not be able to otherwise afford it. Companies and individuals can sponsor a child as well as provide donations to assist in the travel expenses, refreshments, a post- season banquet, and other needs for the participants.

Davis has a staff of coaches aligned to assist him in running the league and directing the children. He also intends to interact with each child as much as possible so that the child can improve as a teammate and as an individual.

Davis is looking forward to the growth and expansion of the league. In three to five years, he hopes to have multiple teams participating in each class as well as expand to include other classifications including mighty mites, peewee, and junior peewee.

Currently, the league consists of midget and junior midget, which allows players from ages 10 to 15 and weights from 85 lbs to 160 lbs. Davis would like to see his team play in the televised Pop Warner Youth Football League Super Bowl that is held annually in Orlando, Florida.

Davis was drafted by the Washington Redskins where he played from 1996 to 2002 after an impressive college career at Auburn University. He played with the Carolina Panthers from 2003 to 2005 and with the St. Louis Rams in 2006. Davis retired in 2007 due to injuries. During his professional tenure, he led the NFC (National Football Conference) rushing in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2003.

Slots for participation are still available for the youth league. Registration ends July 31, and the season begins August 1. Registration materials needed are birth certificate, physical, most recent reports card, player/parent consent form, "and a great attitude." Parents can sign their children up at Davis' Columbia establishment, Pure Ultra Lounge and Gullah Bistro, located at 14 Berryhill Road.

For more information, contact Kathy Holloman at 803-451-7873.