James Bradley, CEO of the Penn Hills Midget Football Association, has seen a lot of action at Turner Friendship Park this summer. Bradley, who helps maintain the soccer field in addition to other volunteer duties, has been surprised by the increased attendance at the park since a water play area was installed this summer.

“I was almost ready to walk out onto the splash pad after I painted the football field,” Bradley said. “I was pretty surprised how much action there is on the splash pad. There are always families.”

Bradley is pleased with the turnout for the Penn Hills Midget Football Association again this season. The PHMFA has nearly 150 players and over 70 cheerleaders. Bradley said they had to stop signing up for cheerleading because of the number of people interested and they didn’t have enough staff to support more.

The PHMFA has been around for almost 80 years and has children aged 5 to 12. In soccer, the 5 and 6 year olds play flag football and tackle from age 7.

The PHMFA is prepared to use new technology. The organization has a website and an app to keep players, parents and coaches informed of what is happening.

Bradley stepped down as president after last season. Joe Joiner took over the role and Bradley said he is impressed with how he has steered the ship.

“I’ve seen him pick up tables and flags,” Bradley said. “He’s doing a good job. I’ve seen it so many times when leadership changes and things go downhill.”

Bradley would like to dedicate the field at Friendship Park to former PHFMA coach Mason Murray. Murray, a standout running back for Penn Hills High School, passed away last December after coaching there for more than 20 years.

Bradley is also keen to make improvements to the stands surrounding the field. Despite wanting to play more of a back seat, Bradley wants to continue taking steps to improve the facilities and grow the program.

“I’ve been on the board for over 20 years,” Bradley said. “I was there as a kid and I played for the program. My dad was very involved and I paid close attention. I learned a lot just by watching. There’s so much you can do in football. Volunteering gives me a sense of ownership.”