Sports : Sign up continues for new youth 7-on-7 football league

VSHS assistant FB coach Andrew May invites all VS 5th-8th graders to join the new 7-on-7 league.

More than 30 area youngsters have signed up already for the first Vinton-Shellsburg 7-on-7 football league

“This could be the start of something pretty cool,” says Andrew May, of the new league, which begins next month. Both boys and girls in grades 5-8 can still sign up for the 7-week session which begins April 5.

There is no cost for participants, said May. Sessions will take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on April 5, 11 and 25, and May 2, 12, 19 and 23.

May, a member of the VSHS football coaching staff, has been working on the project with head coach Jim Womochil, for several weeks. Assistant Vinton Parks and Recreation Director Matt Boggess has also been working with the coaches on registration and logistics.

May contacted administrators at Tilford and VSMS to make sure the schedule does not conflict with any other school activities.

“We felt this would allow kids, even if involved in other activities, to participate,” he says.

About the League

The league is open to all kids, (boys and girls) grades 5th, 6th, 7th 8th, regardless of ability. All kids will have opportunity to catch, pass, or snap the ball. In 7 on 7, there is a center, running back, a QB, and the rest are receivers. Just as in flag football, there is no shoulder blocking. All blocking is done by extending the arms out straight. No tackling is allowed.

Schedule

The scheduling format will be as follows: The first four sessions will be instruction-based with some short scrimmage/game time at the end. The remaining evenings will be our 1st Annual 7 on 7 Tournament. VS coaches and current high school players will be in charge of the instruction.

The 3 R’s: Respect, Responsibility & Relationships

The VS school district believes that all kids should learn respect, taking responsibility, and having respect for others, says May.

“We feel participation in activities and athletics facilitates this by:

1. Getting the kids active and off their phone or other electronic devices – this will help to develop relations with humans, and not computers.

2. Getting the kids playing together – another relationship component.

3. Getting kids working together towards a goal (winning a game, winning our tournament, etc.) This way, kids will have to take responsibility for their role on the team.

4. Learn to accept coaching/listening to adults – this will help teach respect.”

Future plans

May says the two-month league is just the first of what coaches hope to become several sessions each year.

“In the future, we look to add surrounding community teams to our tournament which will lead to additional 7-on-7 and flag/Metro opportunities here at Vinton. This would be a great opportunity for our community; have these opportunities for our youth right here, on our field, instead of having to travel to Cedar Rapids.”

Sign-up information

Participants can sign up at any time.

Click HERE for online registration.

For more information, email Coach May at andrew.may@vscsd.org.