FDC, that sounds like a lot of fun for you and sounds like a big time passion after reading your threads over the years.
My son turns 5 in 3 weeks, I can't wait for him to be able to play. He plays football with the older kids at his school. It's hard to watch, he gets absolutely run over by the bigger ones but he keeps sticking his head in and grabbing on to both legs. I like it because instead of backing down, he gets mad and wants to try to tackle them more. Maybe in a few years I'll get some pointers from you.
Good luck next year!
Wood,
Don't worry about that for a second he is only five. My suggestion would be to get him on a flag team next fall and that will help him to understand hole assignment and all that and he will be way ahead of the curve if you do that. If he has a true passion for the game, he will excel as size is not a concern for 7 year olds. I am currently in the 10-11 yr. old division and will be starting all over again in a year and a half or so with a brand new 7 year old team. That is always the fun part. Hell its all fun as long as you let it be. Kids just want to play and the only and I mean only thing that can destroy their fun is the parent. I hate to say it but it is true, as well as a bad coach! Make sure to emphasize that it takes a desire to play and a passion for the game to have fun at it. If a boy is out there because of any other reason than he wants to have fun then it could be difficult for him. Thats what it's all about, creating friendships, learning teamwork and how to be a teammate, meaning doing what is asked of you as best as you can. Failure by a 6 yr. old doesn't exist, opportunities to succeed are ever present. Pick your coach very carefully. Coaches that yell and scream are not worth the powder to blow them to hell, not with six yr olds. I don't ever scream at any of them in anger. If they half ass a play or quit or don't want to be out there that is one thing but if they make a mistake, miss a block or go the wrong way, thats to be expected and a good coach will let him know quietly and with positive reenforcement and turn it into a learning experience for him and every one else. You are right though I wouldn't give a second of the time I have spent and it is considerable when you have three practices a week and a game and 21 kids on your roster and six assistants, seven sponsors, its a headache at times but never not completely gratifying. I think it has kept me young at heart to be honest with you as I have just as much fun as them every day and there isn't anything quite like 21 kids that you have been coaching year round for the last four and a half years to remember your birthday one Saturday and instead of 1, 2, 3, GO IRISH its 1,2,3 Happy birthday Coach Cris!! It was a very special moment for me. Anyway, enough about that. Let me know what you want him to do and I can get you hooked up with the right people and right organization in your area if he wants to play. I probably have some gear that will fit him too so if you want get my email its easy. It's the same name as this one here except add 2002 to the end and I am on yahoo. Hope you have a good holiday and thanks for the kind words.
FDC
