Mahoning Valley Federals semi-pro football team will open play in Youngstown this year

A new Youngstown semi-pro football team will begin to play in The Players Football Association league this year.

The Mahoning Valley Federals will feature local area high school and college standouts.

J.J. Wilson, who played his prep football at Farrell High School, will be the team’s head coach.

John Galbraith, who has coaching experience at Cardinal Mooney, Valley Christian, Youngstown East and Austintown Fitch, will be the team’s general manager.

The team is a non-profit organization with Galbraith, Micahel Benner, James Moody, JJ Wilson, Caleb Gregory, Dan Beckett and Will Smith serving as board members.

Where and when will the Mahoning Valley Federals play?

The team will open play at home at 7 p.m. May 6 against the Glass City Tigers and will play a nine-game schedule against teams from Dayton, Akron, Toledo and Cincinnati.

The team hasn’t announced its home stadium yet.

“We are seeking local sponsors and volunteers for the 2023 season,” Galbraith said in a press release. “Winter workouts have started, but we are still accepting more players that are over 18 years old.”

He said potential players, sponsors and volunteers could call 330-540-1099 or email mvfederals@yahoo.com.

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This story was originally published February 20, 2023 at 6:00 AM.