Washtenaw Junior Football

Washtenaw Junior Football has been around since 1970. Founded to allow youth as young as 8 years old to begin learning the sport of American Football. Washtenaw Junior Football was formerly known as Ann Arbor Junior Football. The organization is based in Ann Arbor, Mi and presently serves as the only football program for children until they reach high school.

There are no try outs and cuts to play, it is open to all youths who are between 8 and 13 years old, boys and girls. The program allows players who return the following year, an early sign up and if any roster spots are remaining, there is an open sign up until such spots are filled. Washtenaw Junior Football plays in the Downriver Junior Football League which has weight restrictions for maximum allowed weight. The program presently fields two units of three teams each, divided by age, 8-9 year olds, 10-11 year olds, and 12-13 year olds. There are football teams as well as cheer teams for each age group.

The mission of Washtenaw Junior Football is teaching through football by providing an environment where boys and girls are taught, both in word and by example, fairness, respect, teamwork, and good sportsmanship while enjoying a fun and competitive sport.

All coaches strive to develop good citizens in their players as well as solid fundamentals of the game. Every player is guaranteed playing time. Teams are formed by players dictated by where they live (school district mainly). The season runs from mid-August through mid-November.

All members of the organization are volunteers, from the coaches on the field to the board of directors.

Safety has a major part in the organization. Washtenaw Junior Football has it on field personal trained in CPR and First Aid. All games are monitored by an EMT. The organization inspects and replaces equipment in an ongoing basis. [http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2002-rst/983.html Studies] have also found that the sport of football is not any more dangerous than other youth activities.

The program has been very successful on the field of competition with 6 championships in the last 3 years. Their players are excelling as citizens as well.