re: Youth Football

My son is 11 and last year was his first year of tackle. Our high school took over the tackle program from the Y and the kids play for their middle school.

Other area athletic depts. have done the same thing and we've formed a league.

We have a high school coach who coordinates everything. The schools just purchased new equipment and the we're provided a play book from the high school so that we can start introducing these kids to the plays and terminology they'll have in high school.

I help coach and we'll all have to certified by the Heads Up program.

They'll condition with the Junior High team starting in July and then we'll receive pads and be able to practice before school starts.

This is for all 4th, 5th and 6th graders in our school district.

We have two middle schools in our district and the coaches at the other school have always wanted to consolidate. We're not doing that because we want all these kids to get as much playing time as possible.

For me, it's not about a trophy this year, it's about the players we'll turn over to the jr. high and then onto high school.