NIAGARA, Wis. – Niagara’s youth football program kicks off a 50th season Monday.

Established in the fall of 1969 by Dennis (Sam) Chartier, the program was initially named Niagara Flag Football.

“The program was modeled after ‘Army rules football,” said Al Sonnenberg, program coordinator since 2000. “That’s what Sam always said.”

The first program, run under Niagara Park and Recreation at Heights Park, was open to Niagara boys and girls in grades 4-8. Youngsters played with helmets, shoulder pads and flags.

“Sam and many volunteers kept the program running until 1998,” Sonnenberg said. “The program never charged fees and players supplied their own equipment.

In 1999, Sam’s son, Dan Chartier, directed the program. Sonnenberg was next in line.

“I had some great help over the years,” said Sonnenberg, recalling Mike Bouileau Sr and Michael Bouileau each contributing over 10 years, and Heidi Phillips and TJ McCarthy for the past seven.

Sonnenberg added that a major donation from Edwards Chevrolet in late 2000 helped purchase flags and other equipment that are still used today.

In the late 1990s, Niagara schools created a junior high program.

“The flag program lost the seventh and eighth grade but we have since added second and third graders, “Sonnenberg said.

The league, with the help of donations, now provides helmets and shoulder pads.

“But we still do not charge a fee,” noted Sonnenberg, who also directs a no-cost youth basketball program in Niagara.

In 2001, the program was renamed the Sam Chartier Flag Football League and expanded to include children from the surrounding areas. Boys and girls in grades 2-3 and 4-5-6 have come from Florence, Aurora, Pembine, Norway, Iron Mountain, Kingsford and, of course, Niagara.

“Sam still attends a few games each season and currently has a grandson playing,” Sonnenberg said.

The league originally ran from the week school started to the end of October. The season now stretches from August and to mid-October, and culminates with the championship game at Niagara High School’s Ropele Field.

For the third straight year, another season highlight is the league visiting Maryhill for a Saturday afternoon game. This year’s contest is Sept. 15 at 2 p.m.

First session of 2018 runs from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday at Heights Park. Contact Sonnenberg at 715-251-1369 with any questions.