CFA Featured in Suburban Journal
Feb
24
Written by:
2/24/2009 3:33 PM
Football group growing, thanks to 7-year-olds
More coaches being sought
For the original article, please visit Suburban Journals.
By Mary Shapiro
The Chesterfield Football Association, going into its sixth year, is growing, thanks to some 7-year-olds. In fact, a new competitive level for them is being created, said president Jim Zara,
The CFA is part of the Gateway Football League and is based at the Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex. There are 28 teams and 700 children ages 6 through 14 in the CFA, he said.
"We've always had a 7-year-old level, but before, it's been a recreational league for kids of that age group," said Zara, a Chesterfield resident. "This year, it will be full competition for those kids within the entire Gateway organization. Kids of that age love to compete, and we find when they're competing, they're learning and having more fun."
Children in CFA come from much of West County, including Chesterfield, Wildwood, Ballwin, Ladue, Des Peres, Ellisville, Manchester, Valley Park and other areas. Four kids on each team can come from beyond that area, said Tim Teicher, coaching coordinator for the CFA.
"Our season is seven weeks starting Aug. 3 this year and going into November (if the teams reach the playoffs), though there are many preseason games and post-season playoffs," said Teicher, a Ballwin resident. "Few of our kids drop off the roster. If you want a kid to play football, it's important to get into it early before teams are filled. We always have a waiting list of several hundred kids."
Teicher said most parents don't realize that they can get their boys involved with football at 6 or 7 years old, and "we need to get the word out."
"Football is the ultimate medium for forging the 'character' mettle of young boys," he said. "We promote discipline, respect, accountability and courage in a way that no other sport can offer."
Teicher praised the teamwork emphasized in CFA.
"Even kids with behavior issues thrive in football to become model classroom citizens, and oversized kids who do not excel in other sports find confidence and pride for the first time," Teicher said.
CFA registration will open April 1. The association is seeking to recruit more head coaches.
For more information, e-mail execboard@chesterfieldfootball.com or go to the website www.chesterfieldfootball.com.