News Summary

Augusta County is set to kick off its middle school football program this fall, inviting sixth, seventh, and eligible eighth graders to participate. This initiative replaces the current senior division and integrates with high school departments, featuring five county schools in a new nine-team district. With action-packed games scheduled every Thursday, this program aims to engage young athletes and promote community involvement. As local youth football organizations pledge support, there is excitement and some skepticism surrounding its impact on existing leagues.

Middle School Football Takes Off in Augusta County!

Exciting news for sports lovers in Augusta County: middle school football is set to kick off this fall, and it promises to be a thrilling addition to the local sports scene! That’s right – sixth and seventh graders will have the chance to lace up their cleats and hit the field, while eighth graders can join in with the thumbs-up from the athletic director, although size and ability will be factors in approval.

A New Era for Youth Sports

This new program will replace the current senior division of the Augusta County Quarterback Club and will be integrated within the high school athletic departments. Now, this isn’t just a small affair; it’s shaping up to be quite a robust program, as it will feature five county schools alongside Staunton, Waynesboro, Rockbridge, and Parry McCluer to form a nine-team district. A thrilling single round-robin schedule is planned, leading up to an eight-game season that’s bound to get hearts racing!

Games will be held on Thursdays starting at 5:30 p.m., which allows for doubleheaders along with junior varsity matchups. Sports fans, get ready – your Thursdays are about to be filled with action!

Board Supports the Initiative

In a meeting that saw the school board vote 5-1 in favor of this initiative, there was some debate. The lone dissenting voice belonged to Riverheads District representative John Ward. Nevertheless, the overall feeling was overwhelmingly positive. During a follow-up meeting, the athletic director, Greg Troxell, provided insight into the program, and while there were concerns regarding communication with the youth league, he quelled fears by suggesting that the budget would remain largely unaffected. The start-up costs are expected to be minimal, with the anticipation that ticket sales would keep the program running smoothly.

Currently, average ticket sales for junior varsity games range between $1,200 and $2,000, and there’s hope that these figures could potentially double with the arrival of middle school games.

Community Support is Key

In a heartwarming move, youth football programs from Wilson Memorial, Buffalo Gap, Fort Defiance, and Stuarts Draft have pledged to donate senior league equipment to help this new endeavor get off the ground. The Riverheads Little League is also stepping up, offering to donate its senior league gear. Any minor equipment needs will be covered by high school athletic department budgets, ensuring that everything is set for this new chapter.

The coaching staff will be compensated with paid stipends. The budget for coaching positions will be reallocated from existing funds, which means there will be no increase to the overall athletic budget. That’s a win-win!

To smoothen the experience for families, practices will occur Monday through Wednesday, allowing players to be home by 6 p.m., a noticeable difference from the late-night practices common in senior leagues. Best of all, families will only need to invest a $25 activities fee, along with the ticket costs, which will often be discounted at participating schools.

Mixed Responses

While many board members initially approached the program with skepticism, conversations with local families and coaches helped shift perspectives towards acceptance. Community feedback is crucial, and it seems the wheels are turning in favor of this new venture.

However, it’s not all cheers and applause. Joseph Williams from Riverheads Little League voiced concerns that the program could undermine the existing senior division and the development opportunities provided there. On the flip side, Dale Smith, president of the Augusta County Quarterback Club, expressed enthusiasm about the program, noting that the majority of the areas involved are ready for this exciting new chapter.

Ultimately, the new football program aims to facilitate a smoother transition for students moving from elementary to middle school while also fitting into family schedules. The countdown to fall is on, and what better way to usher in the new season than with the thrill of middle school football? Keep your eyes on Augusta County this fall – it’s going to be an adventure worth watching!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

Virginia Beach Hosts Thrilling 2025 adidas Indoor Track Nationals
High School Football Matchups Scheduled for 2025 Season
Wilmington and Clinton-Massie High Schools Prepare for Lacrosse Season
New Windsor Launches Section 9 Boys Lacrosse Season
Pipestone Announces New Head Track and Field Coach
McDonogh School Dominates DMV High School Boys Lacrosse Rankings
Vermont’s Young Basketball Stars Shine as VBCA Announces Teams
New Cross Country Postseason Events for Michigan Youth
2024 Kentucky High School Softball Season Begins with Player Highlights
Jacksonville Celebrates 50th Bob Hayes Invitational Track Meet

Additional Resources