FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We try to schedule our training and practices around the baseball and soccer schedules to ensure as much participation in our Spring and early Summer program as possible. However, we understand and appreciate that while certain sports are “in season” they should take priority. That being said, once it is football season, we expect a full commitment to all phases of the program, including fundraisers, practices, scrimmages, and games. Official practice usually starts the first Monday after the July 4th weekend. Prior to that, the only mandatory date, if applicable to your child, is the early weigh-in, which is usually in May. st we are allowed to practice in pads and will continue on a 3 and perhaps 4 practices a week schedule until school starts. Once school starts and throughout the regular season, we will practice twice during the week and our games are on Saturday. Each practice is approximately 2 hours.

1. Q – Can my child also play middle school football?

A- Yes, your child may play middle school football and also participate with the Sandhills Patriots. In fact, some of our coaches also coach the local middle school teams. During the middle school season we accommodate the players’ schedules and start our practices later. Often times we are not in pads in an effort to keep the players healthy and fresh.

2. Q – How will my child’s participation in other sports affect his standing with the Patriots?

A – The Patriots organization encourages children to play multiple sports. Your child will not be punished for participating in sports events to the exclusion of football training prior to July 1

3. Q – How much travel is involved throughout the season?

A – Technically speaking, the Sandhills Patriots is not a “travel” football team. However, we play in the Piedmont Youth Football League which is based out of Charlotte, NC. There is usually an 8 game regular season in which we will travel to Charlotte for 4 games and play 4 games either at Pinecrest High School or Southern Pines Elementary School. The ride to Charlotte is between an hour and forty-five minutes to two hours. All three Patriot teams play in succession. Therefore, if you have a child on two teams you do not have to wait for the completion of any non-Patriot games.

4. Q – What is the cost of registration and what does it pay for?

A- The cost of registration is $200. In exchange your child will receive a high level of football instruction for an 8 month period. Your child will also receive two pair of game socks, a football girdle, and a sprit pack, which will include shorts and a t-shirt. Your child will be able to retain these items at the conclusion of the season. In addition, your child will be provided a Sandhill’s Patriots travel bag and all equipment necessary to participate in the program. This includes a high quality helmet, shoulder pads, practice pants, practice jersey, belt, mouth guard, game pants (both home and away), and game jersey (both home and away). There will be additional opportunities to purchase sweatpants, sweatshirts, shorts, t-shirts, and hats for both parents and your child.

5. Q – Is financial aid available if I cannot afford the $200 registration fee?

A – Sandhills Patriots provides scholarship funds by waiving all or a portion of the registration fee to eligible players. The Patriots staff reviews each request individually and makes every effort to accommodate the family.

6. Q – What type of commitment is expected from the parents of a child participating in the Sandhills Patriots football program?

A – We consider the Sandhills Patriots organization to be one big family. Parents are expected to provide transportation for their children to and from practicing and games, although coaches are readily available to assist with any transportation needs. Parents are expected to volunteer at home games with respect to ticket sales, concessions and field preparation. The Patriots have annual fundraisers including a yard sale, car wash and golf tournament, which require parent participation. The Patriots also have work days during the year to improve their home football field.

7. Q – Are their other options if my child does not make the Sandhills Patriots football team?

A – Definitely yes! The Sandhills Patriots are affiliated with the Sandhills Optimist Club which as youth football for ages 6-12. The Optimist League is very competitive and offers a great opportunity for youth in the area. There may even be some occasions in which a player who played on a Patriots team in one year does not make the team the following year. It is anticipated that some players may move back and forth between Sandhills Patriots and the Optimist League at any time in-between the seasons.

8. Q – What is the practice schedule before the season and does it change during the season?

A – There will be practices commencing in March. Each season which will be voluntary and involve a fair amount of conditioning. There are usually 2-3 a week. In early July, practices will extend to 3 times a week. On August 1

9. Q – Are your coaches trained or certified to coach youth football.

A – Every Patriot coach must be certified by USA Football, which includes a rigorous 7 hour course with testing. In addition, our coaching staff participates in coaching clinics with the Pinecrest High School football staff to keep abreast of developments in the game.

10. Q – Will my child be guaranteed a certain number of plays or amount of playing time during the season.

A – The Piedmont Youth Football League does not have any rules or requirements that govern playing time. However, due to the limitation on roster

positions, the Patriot organization only selects those players that it believes can contribute to the ultimate success of the team. Therefore, although there are not specific requirements, playing time is generally not an issue, especially with the upper level teams. On the Prep Team, some of the younger players (7 or 8 year olds) may see limited action until the coaches feel they are in a position to contribute and are more comfortable with their role on the team.

11. Q – What are the differences between playing in the Optimist League and playing for the Patriots?

A – The Sandhills Patriots are part of the Sandhills Optimist Club and The Patriots were created to provide an alternative experience. The Optimist League is local in nature and teams are divided up among the children who primarily reside in Moore County. Games are played at the local high schools as well as middle schools on Saturdays.

In an effort to provide a different type of experience involving competition from other locations, the Patriots joined the Piedmont Youth Football League which is based out of Charlotte, NC. The league has 3 divisions with a total of 35-40 teams. Playing for the Patriots requires traveling to Charlotte at least 4 times during the season to play. The Patriots also emphasize tournament play at the conclusion of the season. The Optimist Football League and the Patriot Organization both provide great opportunities for children to learn the game of football.