Youth football is returning to Mathews. After a more than 30-year timeout, the program looks to return to the field of play this fall, following efforts by parents and varsity football coach C.J. Kelly.

“Football and cheer have a big benefit to the community,” Kelly said, “in the ’80s, Mathews was dominant because we had youth football.”

Kelly took on the task after John Ray McDonald, the parent of a student, inquired about the absence of a program. McDonald, who is from a small town in Texas and subsequently Poquoson, told Kelly about the value of a youth program for small rural towns in terms of bettering a varsity program.

The Blue Devils’ coach will serve as the president of the organization for the first few years until it becomes more established, at which point Kelly would remain involved but seek a successor to take over the day-to-day operations.

As currently structured, Mathews Youth Football would field three of the five youth division...