BY NORM BETZ –
Mena High School Athletic Director Tim Harper has announced dates and times for Mena Youth 7-on-7 Football League. Harper said, “7-on-7 is very similar to flag football. It is one of the fastest growing games out there.” High Schools across the nation participate in tournaments throughout the summer to try to develop their players’ offensive and defensive skills in the pass game and defending the pass.
The 7-on-7 game is 25 minutes long, and the only way to advance the football is by passing the ball. It is an opportunity for the kids to work on those skills. “All players will be able to catch passes and play pass defense. We will play hopefully 3 (25) minute games each Saturday,” said Harper.
Depending on turnout, they hope to have four 3rd-4th grade teams and four 5th-6th grade teams and hope to place 7-8 players on each team. This will limit the number of kids having to sit out. Current high school players from Mena will be coaching the teams and they will receive community service for their efforts.
On Saturday, April 4 and Saturday April 11, the coaching staff at Mena High School will conduct 2 practices to teach basic football drills and skills that will enable the students to have a great time playing the game. “We will then begin playing games on the next 4 Saturdays,” explained Harper. That makes for a total of 6 Saturdays; April 4, 11, 18, 25 and May 2, 9. All practices and games will be on Saturday mornings from 9:00-11:00 at Bearcat Stadium. Any 3rd-6th grade student interested in playing the game of football should plan to attend this Saturday. The cost is $40 per player and the players at the end of the season will be able to keep their jersey.
“We will provide each player with a uniform, and Gatorade during the games and practices. We will provide a safe and fun atmosphere during the games. We will also have a secondary insurance that will cover injuries when your insurance has paid all it will,” Harper explained. Harper also stressed that the Mena Youth Baseball League will take priority on Saturdays. If rainouts occur, games will be moved to a later date.
For more information, contact Coach Tim Harper at 870-703-4711 or tim.harper@menaschools.org or Coach Aaron Pennington at 501-844-5939.
[button color=”red” size=”medium” link=”http://mypulsenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Mena-Youth-7.pdf” icon=”” target=”false”]7-on-7 Youth Football League Application[/button]
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
More Stories
CWD testing remains critical as 2023-24 season wraps up
Elks Annual Hoop Shoot time for boys and girls
Former Razorback and Cardinals catcher to be special Bucks guest