I spoke with Dale at the Bengals game Sunday and he was all smiles and couldn't be happier about his team's accomplishments.

 

We had about a half hour conversation about nothing but his players and what to expect next year. (Surprise, surprise)

 

But the one thing that we agreed most on is that all of this success starts in the FTJYFL. While the teams in that league would likely be beaten by other teams in the NKYFL and BCYFL, the reason it is so good is because they focus more on fundamentals than other leagues and don't worry about winning. The most important concept of their league is to make sure the coaches develop each and every player and give them the proper training to compete once they get to the high school level. By the time these kids get to high school, they already know the system and what to expect. The tradition is there which motivates these kids each and every day. No one wants to be apart of the class that didn't win a state championship in a particular year. These things combined are why you see the depth and talent at Highlands every year.

 

BTW, Dale said his kids can do what they want to. "We're going to start working out on January 4th and if I tell my kids we're going to run to Cincinnati and break in to Paul Brown Stadium to run steps, that's what they'll do. These kids just want to win so bad." Typical Dale. :taz::lol:

 

Gotta love his enthusiasm though. The guy is always smiling and never has anything negative to say. I can see why kids love playing for him.

 

Quit giving all the secrets away. Better watch out might get called to the principals office. This is highly classified info. :thumb: 20n10.

I spoke with Dale at the Bengals game Sunday and he was all smiles and couldn't be happier about his team's accomplishments.

 

We had about a half hour conversation about nothing but his players and what to expect next year. (Surprise, surprise)

 

But the one thing that we agreed most on is that all of this success starts in the FTJYFL. While the teams in that league would likely be beaten by other teams in the NKYFL and BCYFL, the reason it is so good is because they focus more on fundamentals than other leagues and don't worry about winning. The most important concept of their league is to make sure the coaches develop each and every player and give them the proper training to compete once they get to the high school level. By the time these kids get to high school, they already know the system and what to expect. The tradition is there which motivates these kids each and every day. No one wants to be apart of the class that didn't win a state championship in a particular year. These things combined are why you see the depth and talent at Highlands every year.

 

BTW, Dale said his kids can do what they want to. "We're going to start working out on January 4th and if I tell my kids we're going to run to Cincinnati and break in to Paul Brown Stadium to run steps, that's what they'll do. These kids just want to win so bad." Typical Dale. :taz::lol:

 

Gotta love his enthusiasm though. The guy is always smiling and never has anything negative to say. I can see why kids love playing for him.

 

IMO The best thing about the FTJYFL is that all the kids get to play. They not only work with all the kids to develop them but they also let all the kids get on the field in games for a quarter or more, not just for a couple of plays at the very end. I doubt there are very few if any youth leagues that are so focused on developing kids and letting them play in games versus just play the 11 best and win games. I would guess there are many kids that went on to play for the Bluebirds and had success who would have dropped out of football completely if they played in a win first league.

 

This discussion of youth leagues, how they are run, etc. would be a good off season thread.

Quit giving all the secrets away. Better watch out might get called to the principals office. This is highly classified info. :thumb: 20n10.

 

:lol::thumb:

IMO The best thing about the FTJYFL is that all the kids get to play. They not only work with all the kids to develop them but they also let all the kids get on the field in games for a quarter or more, not just for a couple of plays at the very end. I doubt there are very few if any youth leagues that are so focused on developing kids and letting them play in games versus just play the 11 best and win games. I would guess there are many kids that went on to play for the Bluebirds and had success who would have dropped out of football completely if they played in a win first league.

 

This discussion of youth leagues, how they are run, etc. would be a good off season thread.

 

Agreed. I've heard Dale tell the league officers and coaches that the number one priority of the Jr Football League is to make it fun for the kids and let them play a lot, so they don't quit playing football. As long as they keep playing football and come out for the team as frosh, Dale will consider their experience in the Jr. Football League as success. If in addition to the Jr. Football League making it fun, the kids can learn some fundamentals it's a plus, but the first priority is to keep them playing football. The thinking being that once a kid quits football, it's very hard to get them to come out for football as frosh. Good thinking on Dale's part.