I’m very fortunate and feel flattered to have been named the President of the recently formed “Vermont Football Coaches Association (VFCA).” It’s my privilege to have the opportunity to establish a foundation and set an initial course. I sincerely hope to make lasting contributions to the benefit of the sport in our state.
A lofty goal that may not be achievable in my lifetime is that no potential player ever utters the worst 6 words a coach can hear…”My mom won’t let me play.” Those words are often followed by “she doesn’t want me to get hurt.” While I understand the inherent risks of injury in contact sports and have suffered a few of them, I strongly believe the benefits far outweigh the risks. No sport teaches mental and physical toughness, teamwork, discipline, and work ethic quite like football. It is a mentally and physically demanding game requiring every player to make good decisions and perform with precision on every play to create team success. These circumstances lead to camaraderie and cohesion unmatched in any other sport.
This past weekend, during our intrasquad scrimmage on the campus of St Johnsbury Academy, we took big steps in changing the impression some mothers may have of football. For the first time in the state of Vermont, a female official, coach, and player were all taking an active role in a football contest. Heather Wallek, a first-year football official, learned from veteran officials. Julia Kearney, a first-year coach, and Vermont’s first female football coach kept a watchful eye over her position players. Brooke Davis, a first-year player, got in several reps at her safety position. I trust all of them will see the benefits of teamwork, character development, and competition, and ultimately let their kids play football.
VFCA will engage, solicit input, and incorporate a broad variety of perspectives from the Mothers of Vermont’s student-athletes and those who influence today’s and tomorrow’s players and parents. Together, we can focus on the very best this great game has to offer, and see benefits extend for decades to come.
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!
O Line Skills 