Brandon Luxford

September Game Changer: Brandon Luxford

Caledonia youth sports thrive because of people who care deeply about creating positive experiences for young athletes. This September, one volunteer stood out for his dedication, leadership, and selfless service. Brandon Luxford, September CYSA Game Changer, exemplifies what it means to pour your heart into the community and make the Caledonia Youth Football Association (CYFA) the best it can be.

For Brandon, everything starts with family. He and his wife, Monica, have two children. Their son, Bryton, 20, graduated from Caledonia and now helps coach 5th and 6th grade football alongside Nate Rounds, while their daughter, Addison, 17, is a senior who shines in marching band and bowling.

Sports have always been part of the Luxford family. “We all love being involved,” Brandon shared. “Whether it’s helping with concessions, taking tickets, or just cheering from the stands, it keeps us busy but it’s all worth it.”

Monica works in elementary special education within Caledonia schools, while Brandon balances several roles himself: running a quality control lab for a nail and screw distribution company, serving as a firefighter and EMT with the Thornapple Fire Department, and running his own CPR and first aid training business for local organizations.

Brandon’s journey with Caledonia Youth Football began several years ago when the program needed medical help during an 8th grade football camp. “At the time, I didn’t know many people on the youth side,” he said. “But I reached out to see if I could help, and that weekend started it all.”

Since then, Brandon has been an essential part of CYFA for more than five seasons, serving as the team EMT and so much more. His motivation is a love of football and genuinely caring for kids. “Seeing the injuries that can happen and realizing there wasn’t much medical support for youth teams, I saw an opportunity to help. I get to stay close to the game I love while keeping our players healthy and strong.”

On game days, you’ll find Brandon long before kickoff, setting up field markers, helping with pads, and making sure everything runs smoothly. “The coaches have so much to do,” he said. “If I can take one thing off their plate, I’m happy to do it.”

But it’s the impact beyond logistics that really stands out. From taping injuries to offering encouragement to players, coaches and parents, Brandon is a reassuring presence. “It’s such a great feeling to be accepted into the CYFA family,” he said. “Whether it’s a player, fan, or fellow coach, I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

Brandon recently helped certify nearly 20 coaches in CPR and AED use, offering the classes at a major discount. “Being in the fire and medical field, I know how important it is to have as many people trained as possible,” he explained. “CPR can triple a person’s chance of survival during cardiac arrest. Every minute without it decreases survival by 10 percent. Being prepared is everything.”

Thanks to his leadership, Caledonia youth sports now have multiple AEDs on hand and a team of trained coaches, a huge win for community safety.

When he’s not on the football field, Brandon can often be found at the bowling alley, where he’s entering his second season as the girls varsity bowling coach. “What I love most is helping each athlete improve their skills while building confidence and teamwork,” he said. “Bowling might seem like an individual sport, but there’s so much camaraderie and support. Seeing them cheer each other on is awesome.”

When asked what keeps him coming back to volunteer year after year, Brandon’s answer is simple: the kids. “Football is my passion, but it’s more than that. I want to help these kids grow, not just as athletes, but as people. When I see a former player at a varsity game and they still remember me or something I said years ago, that’s the best feeling.”

His favorite memory? “At our first 8th grade football camp, we had a team meeting by the fire pit. The kids and coaches opened up about why they love football. The raw emotion and passion that night, I’ll never forget it.”

For someone who gives so much, recognition isn’t the goal. “I’m honored and humbled to be named September’s Game Changer,” Brandon said. “I don’t do any of this to be recognized. I’m just a dad who loves sports and wants to help where I can.”

When asked what being a “game changer” means to him, Brandon summed it up perfectly, “It’s about using whatever you have, your time, knowledge, talent, or resources, to make a difference. It’s about integrity and doing what’s right for the greater good. Winning is nice, but teaching kids how to handle both wins and losses with pride, that’s what really matters.”

As for the future of CYFA, Brandon hopes the program continues to be a place where young athletes grow in skill, character, teamwork, and sportsmanship. “I hope they carry the lessons they’ve learned, hard work, perseverance, and kindness, into everything they do,” he said.

Congratulations to Brandon Luxford, our September Game Changer, a shining example of what it means to give back, lead with heart, and truly change the game.