Roots for Catholic Youth & Young Adult Sports in the Diocese of Wilmington
In the fall of 1901, the first parish-affiliated football program was fielded at St. Ann's Parish on Union Street. Known as the St. Ann's Juniors, the team comprised of catholic youth participants under the age of 10-years old.
In September of 1908, St. Elizabeth's Junior Football team, comprising of youth under the age of 13, challenged teams throughout the city of Wilmington.
In April of 1909, the adult athletic associations from St. Elizabeth's, St. Mary's, St. Patrick's, St. Paul's and St. Peter's formed together to create a competitive sports league in Delaware, known as the Catholic Baseball League.
In November of 1927, representatives of St. Paul's, St. Anthony's, St. Hedwig's, Pioneers, Brownson, and the Knights of Columbus created the first Wilmington Catholic Basketball League. Representatives of this league would move forward to expand the league into bowling and softball, eventually organizing the first office for Catholic Youth Sports in Delaware, the Catholic Athletic Council.
Organized Sports Office Forms for Diocese of Wilmington