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Gator Youth Football & Cheer

Gator Youth Football & Cheer

Screened & Trained Coaches

We are here to provide you and your family with the best youth football & cheerleading experience possible and we are proud to bring you extraordinary Coaches!

All of our coaches are carefully screened to help ensure your children's safety. This includes a background check performed by Westville Police Department. In addition coaches must abide by our Code of Conduct and display a sense of community and caring for youth. 

Coaches are also given an opportunity and the resources to participate in training from the WJYFL(football only) as well as free online training on a variety of topics including safety, team building, and plays.

If you are interested in coaching for Gator Youth Football & Cheer click here

Head Coaches -  As the Head Coach you will stay with a division for a minimum of a 3 year term to help build and develop the divisions program, Create a fun, safe, and instructive environment for our youth to get experience with football and/or cheerleading As head coach, your job duties will include the duties of an assistant coach and include the following: Teaching your athletes good fundamental skills. Plan and supervise games, practices and events. Coordinate and oversee any assistant coaches as they work to ensure that athletes fully understand the fundamentals. Must be enthusiastic, impartial, dependable, patient and NOT have a win at all cost attitude. Must complete fingerprint screening and pass a background check as required by the Borough of Westville and State of New Jersey.

Assistant Coach - Assistant coaches will help support the head coach in developing the assigned divisions program. You are considered a leader and role model for a small number of young athletes; therefore sportsmanship, fair play and full participation are expectations of the program. Able to work with young children and keep things “fun”. Teach athletes proper & safe techniques. Understand and adhere to GYFC’s attendance & playing time policies & follow them consistently with all athletes. Attend all practices, games, as well as meetings & functions as assigned.  Use sound & acceptable coaching practices. Set an example of positive attitude & teamwork.  Resolve any differences of opinion with other coaches/parents away from earshot of athletes. Ability to communicate with other coaches, referees, and parents in a non-confrontational manner. Must complete fingerprint screening and pass a background check as required by the Borough of Westville and State of New Jersey.


2020 Football Coaching Staff

We are still in the process of determining coaches and will announce coaches soon! Please check back for information about the 2025 Gator Youth Football & Cheer Coaches. 

110's Coaching Staff 

Head Coach
Ryan Vena

About the coach:  A former college and arena league quarterback, Coach Ryan brings decades of football wisdom and passion to the field. But his real strength lies in the team around him—a loyal staff and hungry young athletes who share a relentless drive for growth, grit, and championship culture. Together, they’ve built more than a program—they’ve built a football family. Every player, from seasoned vets to first-timers, is welcomed with purpose and coached with heart. The Gators stand for more than wins—they stand for building confident, resilient kids who carry those lessons far beyond the game. Now proudly part of the GYFC Gators, Ryan and his crew are all-in on creating a bold, values-driven organization that uplifts families, honors tradition, and leaves a lasting legacy in Westville.

Assistance Coaches
Leo Hornbach

About the coach: Hello all! This is my 5th year assistant coaching on Ryans coaching staff.  I coach the D&O line. I was previously coaching in West Deptford for the past 4 years. I  love volunteering my time by giving back to the youth with football. I fell in love with the game as a youngster playing for the Oaklyn cougars. My passion is for football and for showing & teaching the kids as well as my son who plays for the Gators this great game. When I am not volunteering I am a DOT contractor/ Electrician.  It has been a pleasure joining the Westville Gators family and I  look forward to contributing to making football great again in this community.

Harry Groover

About the coach: Hello! I am Coach Harry and this is my first year as an assistant coach. However my two sons and I have been involved side by side with Coaches Ryan, Leo, Joe and Gregg for the past four years. My passions are sports and my kids! I am extremely excited to be a part of GYFC family!!

Barry Giovanetti Jr

About the coach: Hello! This is my first year as an assistant coach for GYFC. As a former player in this very league, coaching gives me the chance to not only remain involved in organized football but also offers the opportunity to pass on this great game to the next generation.  

160's Coaching Staff

Head Coach
John Yerka 

About the coach: Hello! My name is John Yerka. I grew up a Gator in Woodbury Heights. I played football and graduated from Gateway Regional High School. Both my daughter and son have grown up in the gator organization. I became a Gator cheer dad back when my daughter joined GYFC in 2010. A few Years later, I became a volunteer football coach when my son began playing on the 65lb team back in 2015. I began as an assistant coach for the Gators and have been coaching ever since. At the beginning of the 2025 season I joined the board as president of our organization. When I am not focused and working for the Gators I am a Window and Door production manager at PJ Fitzpatrick.

Assistant Coaches
Joe Farrell

About the coach: Hello! I've been a coach in every weightclass from 85 lb and on and I'm currently in my second season as an assistant coach to John Yerka for the 160lb football team. My personal focus is preparing these young men for freshman year. High School is the beginning of adulthood, and it's important that these men understand that they have a responsibility to show up and give effort not only in sports but also in life. I coach a very basic defense focused on gap responsibility and technique. I tell our players that they have an opportunity to be treated like men as long as they can behave like men. At this age, this is a part of our team's culture they seem to embrace by holding each other accountable in and outside of practice.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Coaches Resources

The resources below are not required or endorsed by GYFC but may be helpful to hone and expand coaches skills. The listing of these resources is in no way to be viewed as a recommendation or endorsement for any product or service.

Contact

Gator Youth Football & Cheer
899 Almonesson Rd 
Westville, New Jersey 08093

Email: [email protected]

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