Greetings  Newport Families,

I am sure by now many, if not all of you, have heard that Newport is merging with Middletown. This is fact. We have decided to accept the generous offer from Middletown and will be merging for the 2011 season.

The decision for this course of action was neither quick nor easy. In spite of all the valiant efforts of the dedicated volunteers here with the Vikings, the remaining executive board has taken into consideration all factors required to be successful as an association, and come to accept the fact that it is time to make a change.

It is well known that Newport Pop Warner has been in decline which has led to its share of difficulties. Over the past decade it has been increasingly evident.

Along with the decline, in volunteers and participants alike, there is movement within the community to relocate our practice area. Newport is a small city with minimal options for a suitable location. Without a suitable location to practice, all other issues are moot.

Within this one season merger, our families will be afforded not only the experience from participating as part of a solid team but will be offered the opportunity for any new volunteers to learn from a well organized association. At the end of the season, if all bodes well, we can give thanks to our neighbors to the north and return home to apply what we’ve learned to our own association.

Registration can be done online by visiting the website http://www.eteamz.com/islanders/.

Or contact by email at middletownislanders@hotmail.com.

I ask that you sign up as early as possible. With the merger, teams will fill fast.

Almost all Newport board positions will be open. Interested persons can contact me through newportpopwarner@newportpopwarner.org.

I wish all to have a fun and safe 2011 season.

Sincerely,

            Mario Ibarra

President

Newport Pop Warner