Middle School Football: April 2016

Parents,

We have had 2 good spring workouts. 36 of the 39 boys who signed up have been to at least 1 workout. We have weights and 40 yard dash times on all of them. We did agility drills as well as throwing and catching drills at the last workout and got a good evaluation on the boys that were there. I am VERY hopeful the three boys who have yet to come to a workout will make it to the last one next Tuesday.

I shared a few things with the guys that I would like to share with you. First, we are interested in teaching them the GAME of football, not just a set of skills for the position(s) they play. During the last workout every boy was taught fundamentals for throwing and catching the ball. They will all be taught how to snap a football, how to get in the various stances for the different positions, how to give and take a hand-off etc… It is impossible to tell what position a young man will end up playing when he is in middle school so I want to expose them all to different positions. Secondly, it is MORE important to us to teach them how to be good young men and the wonder of a relationship with Jesus Christ than to teach them football. Please understand, your son is important to us as a PERSON, not just as a player.

Another false impression of our team is that seventh graders do not play. Nothing could be further from the truth. We do not consider a player’s grade when determining who plays. Also, as you will find out, with all the schools that will agree to do it, we will play “5^th Quarters” in which we move to a practice field and line up and play the guys who did not get to play much in the game. Also, we will play some guys who did get to play but had to play out of position for us to have the best chance to win. On a couple of occasions last season, the “5^thQuarter” guys got more snaps than the guys in the regular game. I do want you to know however that not every school has the numbers to play “5^th Quarter.” My point is, we WANT to get these guys in competitive situations against other schools. We want football to be fun and fun is playing!!!

I have attached calendars with summer workout dates and a TENTATIVE practice schedule for August and early September. Some important points:

· PHYSICALS on May 17 – They all have to have physicals for their protection. You will be getting more information on these, but I have a couple of tips. First, have all of your paperwork filled out when you arrive. Forms are on the FPD website. Second, the physicals begin at 5:30, so everybody comes early – best time to come is around 6:10. The line has shortened considerably by then and there will usually be a shorter wait. Questions about physicals should go to Garrett Law, our athletic trainer (garrett.law@fpdmacon.org).

· Summer workouts – Voluntary but very important. If the guys are in town and don’t have another important commitment, they need to come. They all start in the weight room where we work core strength and agility – no heavy lifting. Then we go to the field for skill work, and , in July, we begin putting in our offense and defense.

· August practices are not voluntary. Beginning in August, we are putting our offense/defense/special teams in so missed practices ARE a problem because the player gets behind.

· Parent meeting on August 1 – Mark your calendar now. We have had tremendous attendance at this meeting. I have real important information to share with you at this meeting, and, if you don’t already know me, this gives you a chance. It lasts about an hour depending on how many questions I get. FPD football is a FAMILY and you will see that YOU are an important part of the team.

· We have a blog – fpdmiddleschoolfootball.blogspot.com – that has all the information you could need. During the season, it will also have pictures.

If your son at any point decides that he no longer wants to play, PLEASE have HIM call or email me. It is unfair to the coaches and teammates to be planning and depending on a player who knows he is not going to be there. Please be considerate. Thanks for your time!!!!! We look forward to a great time this season.

Rennie Atkinson

Head Coach

Home # 478-475-0594

Cell # 478-719-0690

Bob Veazey

James Moore

John Griffin

King Kemper

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN DAY SCHOOL