NAJIFF had a fabulous 2009 Season highlighted by being presented a "Proclamation of Congratulations" from the City of San Antonio signed by Mayor Julian Castro and presented by City Councilman Ray Lopez at halftime of the San Antonio Spurs - Milwaukee Bucks NBA game. Furthermore, the San Antonio Spurs presented this event to the National Basketball Association as a "Best Practice" for providing service to the community.

Early on in 1969, Lackland Air Force Base was the birth place of NAJIFF that quickly joined with Fort Sam Houston, Randolph, Kelly and Brooks Air Force Base. Soon after, "civilian" organizations became an integral part and now NAJIFF has grown into what it is today, a program to be shared by all within the San Antonio Metropolitan Area and South Texas.

NAJIFF has grown a bit in the off-season. Welcome to the Harlandale Indians, Lil Giants, Memorial Minutemen, Lil Owls, the Sharks, the Patriots and the San Antonio Cardinals 13 & 14 year old team. The introduction of the "Code of Conduct" last season was a tremendous success. This statement acknowledges that NAJIFF is a youth sports program and that sportsmanship is key to a successful season. The "Code of Conduct" along with the outstanding clinics provided by Kids Sports Network (KSN) to all our coaches empathize that sportsmanship is paramount to any youth endeavor.

Dick Sports is again partnering with NAJIFF and will sponsor NAJIFF Days and Nights where our members can purchase sporting equipment, clothes and other items at a significant savings. Their founder believes in giving back to the community and we thank them for their great support.

Our hat is off to every commissioner, coach, team parent and league staff member for their unselfish contribution to our community. Without their great effort, NAJIFF would not exist and children would be deprived of a great learning experience. The responsibility that our volunteers assume is not an easy task, however, the lasting memories and impressions that they make upon our kids are invaluable and appreciated.

Lastly, we are proud to be part of a great organization such as NAJIFF. We are committed to enhance and provide a meaningful program that offers and emphasizes sportsmanship, family, academic and a spiritual up-bringing. We are always interested in hearing feedback, both positive and constructive to make NAJIFF better each and every year. This year, we will introduce our "Stay in School" initiative that every Commissioner and Coach will plant as a seed into all our young men and women. Hopefully, this effort as a preventive measure will work towards keeping kids in school rather than trying to get them back into school. Education is the key to success!

Good luck and have a great season!

The NAJIFF Executive Board