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The Eagles Have Landed!
To: Parents and Players of the Eagles Football Club
From: Head coach Dave Jenkins
Subject: Starting Positions and Playing Time
League guidelines ensure that at least 10 grade 9 players and 10 grade 10 players are included on the roster. This guideline was designed to create an experience that gets as many players at a variety of different skill levels opportunity to practice and play together.
The coaching staff will decide based on practice performance and skill level who will be awarded starting positions on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Those players not on those teams will be awarded starting positions on the special teams subject to skill level and safety concerns. Those players that are on special teams will also have substitute positions on both the offense and defense and will play on those teams if necessary due to injury or in a mop up role in a game that is clearly decided.
Our team consists of grade 9 aged players, grade 10 aged players, and grade 11 aged players. The younger players will have the valuable experience of practicing and competing for positions against the older players. The older players will be responsible for providing the leadership and demonstrating Eagles pride and respect for the game and the organization.
The first game of the season will see rookies and older players playing side by side based purely on their talent level. This clearly demonstrates that simply being an older player or younger player does not determine whether or not you start. The players that demonstrate the passion, skill and a “team first” attitude will be rewarded.
If a player does not achieve a starting position then it is that player’s responsibility to continue to practice hard and make a statement on special teams. This behavior will allow them to make the best of their opportunity when it comes. While the league is developmental in nature, it is not a house league. The calibre of play will be high and each and every player needs to hone their skills at practice to achieve and keep their starting positions.
I believe that all players on the Eagles will benefit from the Midget experience. The veteran grade 11 players will gain one more valuable season to help them towards a strong final year at the high school and a head start towards university or junior football. Some of the grade ten players will benefit from the extra playing time that will allow them to achieve their goal of playing two years of senior high school football. The rookie players will gain the valuable experience of a high level of competition and the potential of an additional three seasons experience if they stick with the team for the duration of their eligibility.
In closing, I would like to express that I respect each and every player and what they will contribute emotionally or physically to the nature of this team this year. This will be a team that believes in respect for their team, their teammates, and the spirit of the game!
Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!
Coach Dave Jenkins
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