07/17/2026
Dear MYFCA Members, Players, Families, Coaches, Volunteers, and Board Members—Past and Present,
After eight years of service to the Merkel Youth Football and Cheer Association, including the past six years as President of our local organization and the past four years as Chairman of our regional league, the time has come for me to step away from my role as President of MYFCA.
Serving our community and its children in this capacity has been one of the most profound privileges of my life. MYFCA has always represented far more than football games, cheer competitions, practices, uniforms, and schedules. It has been about creating opportunities for children, strengthening families, building confidence, teaching teamwork, and preserving a tradition that brings our communities together.
Any success achieved during my time with MYFCA was never mine alone. It was made possible by an incredible team of board members, coaches, volunteers, parents, sponsors, community partners, and supporters who continually gave their time, energy, resources, and hearts to this organization. Many of you worked behind the scenes, often without recognition, simply because you believed in our children and understood the importance of keeping these programs strong.
To every board member who served alongside me—past and present—thank you. Your commitment, ideas, patience, and willingness to take on difficult responsibilities helped guide this organization through both challenges and accomplishments. To our coaches and volunteers, thank you for investing in our young athletes and cheerleaders. To our parents and families, thank you for trusting us with your children and for supporting the work required to provide them with a meaningful experience. Most importantly, to every player and cheerleader, thank you for reminding us why this work matters.
I am proud of what we have accomplished together, but I am even more encouraged by what lies ahead.
It is my honor to welcome Candace Schleeter as the incoming President of the Merkel Youth Football and Cheer Association. Candace brings dedication, experience, and a genuine commitment to the children and families we serve. I am confident that she, together with the new leadership team, will continue moving MYFCA forward while honoring the values and traditions that have made this organization an important part of our community.
Although I am stepping away from the presidency, I am not stepping away from my support of MYFCA. I will remain available as a resource to Candace and the incoming leadership as they navigate the transition and continue the important work of serving our members.
Going forward, parents, families, community partners, and affiliated organizations should begin directing their communications to the new MYFCA leadership. All existing communication platforms, social media accounts, registration systems, and organizational email addresses will remain intact and will continue connecting you with the appropriate members of the leadership team.
Leadership transitions are an important part of every healthy organization. New perspectives, new energy, and new ideas help organizations evolve while preserving the foundation built by those who came before. I ask each of you to give Candace and the new board the same encouragement, cooperation, patience, and support that you have extended to me over the years.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve. Thank you for the memories, the friendships, the lessons, and the trust. I leave this position with immense gratitude, great pride, and complete confidence in the future of MYFCA.
The leadership may change, but the mission remains the same: providing our children with opportunities to grow, compete, belong, and build traditions that will last for generations.
Go Badgers!
Tradition Starts Here.
With sincere gratitude,
Phillip Conklin
Outgoing President
Merkel Youth Football and Cheer Association
