[Wideleft01]

The success of Highlands has nothing to do with the kids in the youth league playing together, because basically they don't. There are 4 teams in the 7th and 8th grade division and the kids are split up amongst those 4 teams. The first time they play together is in their frosh year.

Actually having 4 teams helps more than playing together, as you have 4 qbs being developed; 4 sets of RBs; 4 o lines; 4 etc., etc. Then at the frosh level, the coaches determine who is the best of those groups.

Another very big component of the success caused by the youth league is the player participation emphasis. Dividing the players amongst 4 teams means that a kid that is not very good at that level is still going to get on the field a lot (combine the players into 1 or even 2 teams and that is much less likely to happen). So that less talented kid keeps playing, enjoys the activity and remains interested in football. He more often than not comes out for frosh football because he has enjoyed the sport of football in the past and wants to be part of Highlands football. He develops physically and with good coaching develops into a heck of a fine high school football player, that frankly many couldn't have envisioned when he was a 7th or 8th grader. It's not even a surprise anymore when it happens because it has happened so frequently in the past. The number one rule of the Ft. Thomas Jr. Football League: is keep it fun for the kids so they keep playing. Some solid instruction is helpful, but not necessary. If they keep playing, the Highlands coaches will give them all the instruction they need when they get to the high school level.

100% accurate, but why tell them?