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As a former coach in two of the most competitive youth football programs available to youngsters - Pop Warner Football and Long Island Midget Football - I've had the opportunity to see, up close and personal, both the positive side and the negative side of such programs. However, it is not my intention in this writing to recount in specific detail either of those experiences.

Instead my purpose is to describe for parents and players a "player-friendly" football program that I started a few years ago that focuses on fun, participation and skill development for all participants.

It may be difficult to believe such a program actually exists, given that the common perception of the game, its fans and especially its coaches is quite the opposite - but such a program really does exist here in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

The program, dubbed Junior Development Football, was patterned in principle after the NFL's Junior Development Program and while the implementation of this program is uniquely different, the guiding principles of the two programs are identical:

Make It Fun
Limit Standing Around
Everyone Plays
Teach Every Position to Every Participant
Emphasize the Fundamentals
Establish a Progression of Skill Development for Every Participant
Yell Encouragement, Whisper Constructive Criticism

Many experts agree that these should be the objectives of any quality, wholesome youth sports program but, unfortunately, insensitive and overly competitive adults often undermine these principles.

Junior Development Football addresses the common "problem" situations that are so prevalent in youth football these days including insufficient playing time for all players, an overemphasis on winning, insensitive and abusive coaches and competitive mismatches.

Mission
The mission of the Ponte Vedra Junior Development Youth Football Program is to provide a safe and player-friendly environment, in which children can learn, play and enjoy the game of tackle football. Essential to the mission are:

The goal of this innovative program is that every single participant has a positive and enjoyable playing experience regardless of skill or ability - an experience in which each player has the opportunity to develop new skills, gain confidence, and learn life - lessons regarding the importance of teamwork, responsibility, sportsmanship and discipline. Achieving this goal can encourage continued participation in the sport.

Implementation
As is common in many youth programs, participating players in this program are grouped according to age and weight but an additional factor - ability - is also a consideration in placing a player in a division. Divisions are established for comparable size, age and general skill level participants and each division consists of approximately 30 players each. The number of participants has grown significantly since the program's inception several seasons ago. Our 2003 season included four separate divisions as follows:

Division 1 for the youngest and smallest players, generally 6, 7 and 8 years old and weighing an average of approximately 65 pounds*

Division 2 for players approximately 9, 10 and 11 years old and weighing an average of approximately 80 pounds*

Division 3 for players 10, 11 and 12 years old and weighing an average of approximately 100 pounds.*

Division 4 for players 12 years old or older and with no limit on weight. (the average weight is approximately 125 pounds.)*

*Unlike most competitive youth football programs, these age/weight limits are flexible

Coaches are assigned to each division and coach all the players in that division. Players compete only against players in the same division in practices and games.

In preparing for the season, basic formations, common drills and fundamental techniques are taught in the four divisions. Position stations are used to provide instruction for all players in each of the major positions and players are encouraged to play each position during practice and in games.

During practice and during games, player match-ups are made considering size and skill level to avoid mismatches. 

When players are prepared sufficiently to play a game - usually after the first month of practice - two teams are formed from the 30 players in a division - 15 players per team. Players are assigned to these two teams by the program director to ensure balanced competition. A game is then played according to conventional youth football rules with some minor accommodation to ensure safety (no kickoff returns and no punt returns).

During the game, an offensive coach is on the field and coaches the offensive units for both teams. Similarly, a defensive coach is assigned to coach both defensive units. In this manner the coaches have no stake in which team wins and are able to focus on having each player play to the best of his ability. A sideline coach is assigned to rotate players in and out of the game ensuring total participation by all.

Games consist of two 25-minute "halfs" using a running clock. There is no 25-second play clock. If the outcome of the game is not in doubt (one team is ahead by more than one touchdown) as the 50 minute mark approaches the game ends when 50 minutes has expired. If, however, the game is in doubt (less than a touchdown separating the teams) after 50 minutes, each team is given an opportunity to complete a possession. This is done to ensure that the outcome of the game is determined by the players on the field, not by a circumstance of clock management/manipulation. Since we stress balanced competition, games can and sometimes do end in a tie. 

Once the game is over, no record of the outcome is kept because new teams will be formed from the 30 players the following week. The season consists of ten games played each Saturday with new teams made up each week. To accommodate this, players receive both a green and a white jersey at the start of the season. Players wear the appropriate jersey depending on team assignment.

Statistics such as yards gained and tackles made by each player as well as game highlights are kept and included in a weekly newsletter sent to players and parents.

Because "game day" team rosters are small (approximately 15 players) playing time for each player is extensive. The measure of success of the program is player enjoyment and player development, not won-loss record or championships.

Here are what a few of the parents have to say about the Junior Development Football program:

Last year our son Jacob (age 7) played his first year of football in the Junior Development Program. Not only did he learn the fundamentals of the game, Jacob learned the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline. Most importantly, he had a lot of fun. I would highly recommend the Junior Development Program to any parent who wants to introduce the game of football to their child in the right way.

Ryan plays on the recreational (Junior Development) team because of the philosophy held by Coach Jerry and the coaches he passes it down to. Competition isn't what drives this. A passion for football and a love for children is demonstrated at each practice and every game. Yes, Ryan learned how to play football last year. By the end of the season, he was a tackling machine. He had played almost every position and knows how to play them the right way. He received a great foundation for the rest of his football career. But that was just the beginning. Ryan learned that he was a valuable part of a team. He learned how to dig down and reach his greatest potential. He learned teamwork, perseverance, fair play, and the importance of a great attitude. Plus he had a blast! It was an incredible experience for our family. Thank you for making this possible for our kids!

Last fall I enrolled my son (age 9) in Ponte Vedra's Junior Developmental Football, after being told that he was over the weight requirement for Pop Warner. Initially, he and I were skeptical of the program and our expectations were low. I can not tell you how wrong we were.

By the end of the season, he had played every position, had knowledge of the importance in being a team player and had developed a confidence and sense of pride in his abilities to play a team sport that I have never seen in him before. I was thoroughly satisfied with the entire experience. 

The coaches' philosophy and expertise in managing the children with the game is by far superior to any baseball or soccer experience we have had. And without it, my son would have had no tackle football experience at all.

We are eager to enroll in another season and are in hopes that this program will continue for many more seasons.

The Junior Development football program is an ideal place for my boys (twins age 7) to learn how to play football. They get the opportunity to play offense, defense and even the skill positions which gives them a better understanding of the game - and how important each position is to the team as a whole. As far as competition is concerned, come game day, these kids want to win as much as the next kid. It is refreshing to see the coaches emphasizing the importance of each child playing to the best of their ability and not focusing on the end result of winning and losing. In fact, the coaches stress equal playing time for all children - playing both offense and defense each game.

I think Ryan summed it up best when he asked if we knew why he loved playing football? His answer "Because the coaches were so nice and make playing fun!"

Nick (age 13) was never a good fit in the standard sports programs, although he always was a willing participant. Being bigger, slower and not as coordinated in early adolescence has its considerable drawbacks.

We were encouraged to find out about your program in 2001. Through your organization, every effort was made to provide Nick an encouraging, challenging environment in order to move forward in his interest to learn the fundamentals of football. A sport, I may add, I swore I would never allow him to get involved with. Not that I don't like the game, but it takes on a whole new meaning when it's your kid getting hit!

Parental concerns were laid to rest when the benefits of this instructional, team environment were realized. You and your volunteers have created a fun, yet safe environment for kids to thrive. The positive contribution that this organization makes in the lives of these kids is nearly immeasurable. They realize a potential that they at times, surprise even themselves.

Sue Adomaitis