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Local NFL draftee to start sports organization 

Mitchell Van Dyk

Mitchell Van Dyk, a 2009 graduate of Paso Robles High School.

Mitchell Van Dyk of the Pittsburgh Steelers will be starting Next Level Paso Robles with his father

–Local NFL Draftee Mitchell Van Dyk and his father, Mark Van Dyk, will be opening a Next Level Paso Robles, a youth football organization, later this year. A Paso Robles native, Mitchell was recently drafted to the NFL from Portland State University. A 2009 Paso Robles High School Graduate, in 2014, he was picked in the seventh round of the NFL draft by the St. Louis Rams. After being released by the Rams on Aug. 30, 2014 he offered a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. As of Jan. 15, 2015, he signed a contract with the Steelers for the position of offensive tackle and is currently placed on injured reserve.

Registration for the organization, which will be run under the National Youth Football Organization (NYFO), began on Feb. 1 and will end March 1. “As of right now, we’re trying to get War Memorial Stadium and Paso High for our practices.” says Mitchell.

There will be six games in the season which will run between March and April, and the organization will have 12 teams consisting of 15 to 25 players, ages 8 to 18. The games will be seven on seven, fundamental non-contact youth football. Mitchell has also helped to create the Paso Robles National Youth Football Organization, or PRNYFO, which is a subsidiary of the National Youth Football Organization. “Being able to give back to my hometown is an amazing experience,” he says, “Paso Robles formed me into the person that I am, both on the field and off. I am excited to provide year round, fundamental youth football back to our community.”

Youths can register to play in the organization and adults may register to coach. Visit the official website of the Paso Robles National Youth Football Organization at www.centralcoastsportsdevelopment.com to register, check out rules and regulations and more.

“It’s really a great feeling to be given a chance to bring this town together,” says Mitchell, “I look forward to seeing everyone get together to play. It’s going to be great.”

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About the author: Reporter Martin Nevarez-Ulloa

Contributor Martin Nevarez-Ulloa is a student at Cuesta College.