Relationship between local youth programs and corresponding high schools

i think that the varsity program should be very involved in the youth program by providing coaching clinics on basic quaterback mechanics, blocking and running styles, as well as some talk about basic formations and plays. this would eliminate the talk by some varsity coaches about the lack of actual learning that is going on at the little league level, as well as prepare the athletes for their junior high and high school careers by putting them a step ahead so that there can be more repping of plays rather than learning them. I myself have been trying to get our varsity program to take a more active role in our little league program, but with 4 different head coaches in 6 years, it get's kind of difficult, but i've heard good things about what coach campbell does with the local little leagues, as well as some of the involvement that some houston school's that i've been around take in their little league programs, so i think it is totally important for the varsity programs to become involved in the little league programs.

Coach,

Anytime we welcome a new league to play within ours or if we acquire a new town to play in ours, one of our first emphasis the relationship with the high schools. It is definetly important to have because they can provide support that can be invaluable. I feel like I have the luckiest youth program in the area because we have Coach Campbell as one of our supporting members as a matter of fact, he is the biggest supporter to our program. Coach Campbell makes it a point to involve our youth players by having the Vipers Den, which is where our youth can sit together and root on the Vipers. Next, we get together to put on the CYFL/Vipers Youth Football Camp plus he provides our coaches any materials and advice on how to coach. We get use of the stadium for one evening to have what we call "Stadium Days" so the youngsters can experience their first "Friday Night Lights". Plus it does not hurt to have the Head Coach roam the youth sidelines during their games and encourage them, just say hello, and to make sure they are having fun. I can say a good handful of our supporting high school coaches make a point to acquaint themselves to the younger players so when they begin playing for them, they have a relationship already started. To me, that is a big key in a programs success--both youth and high school.

If you have a Head Coach who does not mind sharing his playbook so your program can begin using their terminology, use it!! In Victoria, Cuero, Hallettsville, and Gonzales these coaches have allowed our coaches in their playbook so when they get to junior high, they already have an idea of what to expect from their program. Their junior high coaches do less teaching of the system and concentrate on player development granted all youth coaches are not perfect and don't teach exactly to the programs but I feel like even if they use some of their terminology it is a benefit.

Utilizing the high school program is the biggest asset to ours because we emphasize the importance of becoming a Viper, a Gobbler, an Apache, or a Brahma Bull to the youngsters. Plus some of the high school kids enjoy visiting the youngsters and vice versa. My advice is to whole heartedly embrace your high school program, utilize anything that they can offer to make your program that much better. Our success as a a league is due to the support of all of our high schools.