Maybe it’s time for the Butler Area Midget Football League and Butler Lil’ Tornado to join forces.

Combine resources and put all of Butler youth football under the same umbrella.

Such a concept would have been unthinkable a couple of years ago — and rightfully so.

The Lil’ Tornado were formed four years ago because some football parents wanted their kids to play against similar youth teams from other nearby communities.

The BAMFL was a strictly a neighborhood league, pitting Meridian against East Butler, Butler City against Penn Street, etc.

If you want to play for your neighborhood team, sign up for the BAMFL.

If you want to represent Butler and take on Mars, Saxonburg and Shaler, among others, join the Lil’ Tornado.

The BAMFL had age 13-14 teams, the Lil’ Tornado did not.

The ideals of the two youth organizations were quite a bit different.

Not anymore.

The BAMFL has consolidated its numbers down to one team in each age group, just like the Lil’ Tornado. The two organizations even play in the same league now — the United Youth Football League.

They played each other last weekend at Memorial Park. The Lil’ Tornado age 11-12 roster had 19 players. The BAMFL squad — known as Butler Blue — had 41 players.

Under normal circumstances, the BAMFL would have broken that roster up into two teams. Many of the kids signed up aster the league had put together its schedule, however.

Both of these organizations now share the same goal — developing young football talent for the high school program. The Butler Area School District even cooperated by adding a seventh grade team this season, once it learned of the BAMFL’s plans.

It makes sense now that the BAMFL and Lil’ Tornado share resources, coaches, players and move forward as one for the betterment of the local football community.

Next year, how good would it be to have three youth Butler football teams in the UYFL, with all three teams on the same page? They could practice together and learn the same system together.

When they faced each other in league play, a competitive game would still take place and the players would learn from each other.

Butler Blue defeated the Lil’ Tornado, 47-6, last week. Tornado coach Bill Halle admitted he lost a number of players to the seventh grade team this year and that 12 of his 19 players were in their first season.

By combining forces, Butler youth football could put three balanced teams on the field, in terms of talent and experience.

Youth football organizations should be applauded for their dedication and volunteerism toward helping kids.

Now seems to be the time to do it together.