By Jean DePlacido
correspondent
—
DANVERS — New Danvers High head football coach Sean Rogers wants to let the young football players in town get to know him and his staff now, so that they'll feel more comfortable when they come up to the high school to play.
Rogers is reaching out to the youth football players to strengthen the connection between Danvers Youth Football and the Danvers High program. One of the first steps he's taking is conducting the Falcon Football Skill Clinic for youngsters in grades 6-9. It began Monday and will run through tomorrow from 4:30-7 p.m. at Burley Field, behind Danvers High.
"We lose a lot of kids from the Danvers Youth Program after the eighth grade when they make the transition to high school," said Rogers. "They either don't go out for football or go to (play at) other schools. We want them to have a sense of what the coaches are like and to feel that they're part of the program so they won't want to leave Danvers. I thought this was a good way to introduce them to myself and my coaching staff, as well as improve their skills."
Rogers, who had served as former head coach John Sullivan's assistant, stepped into the head coaching spot when Sullivan, who stayed on as the school's athletic director, resigned as football coach.
The Falcons varsity captains and other senior players are helping out with the non-contact drills this week. Helmets and cleats are the only equipment needed, since the emphasis at the clinic is on techniques and learning to do things the right way.
The clinic is held in conjunction with the Danvers Recreation Department, and all participants will receive T-shirts.
"We are working with youngsters who are looking to improve their skills at a high paced, skill-specific clinic," Rogers said. We'll spend 50 minutes on offensive drills, 50 on defensive drills and 20 minutes on special teams, among other things.
"Reaching out to the youth football players in Danvers is definitely a priority. I believe we had developed some good strategies designed to teach players the skills needed to be successful on the playing field."
Rogers has set up a schedule which puts each player in his positional group, where he goes through a series of drills to teach specific skills including proper stance, footwork and correct use of hands. In addition, youngsters will be taught specific skills needed in various positions. Blocking, catching and throwing are examples of areas that will be covered.
"All drills will be conducted by a member of the Danvers High School coaching staff, with players serving as group counselors," Rogers said. "This is going to be a good workout for everybody and will give incoming freshmen a head start in learning what to expect once football practice starts.
"I'm looking forward to this season. Coach Sullivan established a great program here, and I just want to put a few little twists on it. This clinic gives me and my staff a practice run for our high school camp next month."
