FARMINGTON — RSU 9 directors this week will consider an offer by Mt. Blue Area Youth Football to re-establish and implement a freshmen football program. They will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the food court at the Mt. Blue High School.

Prior to their regular meeting, directors will hold public hearing at 6 p.m. in the high school library to get input on what people would like to see in a new superintendent. Superintendent Mike Cormier is retiring at the end of the school year.

The Area Youth Football’s proposal is to pay all costs for a high school freshmen football team.

The district does not have freshmen football due to expense and decreasing numbers of players, according to a letter to Cormier from AYF Vice President Kevin Vining.

“We understand that in these economic times with rising costs and budget cuts some sacrifices are necessary,” Vining wrote.

“We feel it is unfortunate for the freshmen that the high school did not offer a separate team and combined them with the JV team, which includes players from the sophomore and junior classes,” he said. “Most freshmen are not physically or emotionally ready to play against sophomores, juniors and especially with seniors.”

Mt. Blue Area Youth Football organization has a great support network and is willing to assume all costs associated with the freshmen program, including officials, busing and supplying whatever equipment the high school does not have available. This would relieve the school of these expenses for the program, according to Vining.

“Another benefit with MBAYF incorporating a freshmen league is that our group continually has 22-28 players in each grade of participation,” he said. “With a separate freshman program the kids would have more individual attention and playing time to gain the confidence they need before entering the JV level. Keeping a freshmen team would lead to fewer players leaving football and as a result build up the number of players for the high school program.”

Even though the organization is not school-affiliated, the organization and coaches constantly stress the importance of schoolwork, he said.

“We actively work with these kids and feel they need the structure of the organized participation of sports to give them a reason to do well in school,” Vining said. “Not only do our coaches teach the fundamentals of football but emphasize teamwork and respect. The high standards that we have set have made our youth football league successful.”

The organization feels it can provide an essential football program for the school.

“We have the facility, the resources and our dedicated coaches are willing to continue working with these kids at this pivotal time in their lives,” Vining wrote. “We hope you will carefully consider and support our request to offer a freshmen football program.”

dperry@sunjournal.com

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