Youth football game moved due to Trump Rally Saturday – WDBJ

SALEM, Va. (WDBJ) – Former President Donald Trump will be coming to Salem for a rally Saturday, which also happens to be the same day and place as local youth football teams’ Superbowl game.
Some parents are not happy about the relocation, as Salem’s recreational league championship game was supposed to be held at the football field outside the Salem Civic Center, but Trump’s rally has caused the game to be relocated to make room.
Parents WDBJ7 spoke to say they are frustrated with the changes.
“I feel like it’s a little bit disappointing for the kids, because playing at that big field is really important to them, and I know they were all really excited to represent their town at the big Salem stadium,” said Morgan Radcliffe, a parent.
Parents like Radcliffe say her son was looking forward to making it to the final game just for a chance to play at the Salem Stadium.
“They take so much pride in that big stadium, and it’s such, like, a cool experience for them to get out there and play at such a young age,” said Radcliff.
Another parent who asked to remain anonymous says it’s frustrating that the city isn’t considering other options like rescheduling the games.
“They shouldn’t move us, like, you know, the kids we want to play at our home field. It’s a long-standing tradition.“
The anonymous parent said she feels like the city has been dismissive to many parents’ requests and concerns.
“At least involve us in the planning, or say, like, this is what‘s going on. Let’s take a vote, or have a meeting, a parents’ meeting, about what we want to do.”
The athletics supervisor for Salem Parks & Rec issued a statement saying they have considered parents’ rescheduling requests, but it would be challenging saying, in part:
“The logistics involved in staffing an event of this scale-such as securing officials, gatekeepers, announcers, maintenance staff, and clock operators-present significant challenges. Our officials coordinator has already indicated that moving to Sunday would create considerable difficulties in staffing officials.”
The games have been moved to Bogle Field at Cave Spring Middle School in order for players and families to be away from the Trump event. The games will be held at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.
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