ROCKINGHAM - While the Richmond Senior High School football program is in full swing with its summer workouts, the Raiders aren’t the only ones battling the summer heat to prepare for the upcoming fall 2018 season.
The Raider Youth Football Association is a non-profit travel football organization that introduces young area athletes to the fundamentals of the sport, while training and preparing them for the possibility of playing for Richmond. Local coaching legend Errol Hood serves as RYFA’s president, and is looking to bolster the program’s participation numbers.
Hood, who played cornerback for the University of North Carolina from 1997-2001, brings an eclectic skillset and intangible experience to the members of his program. Sometimes referred to as the “Baby Raiders,” Hood’s program is a part of the North Carolina Amateur Athletic Union (NCAAU), and is designated as a “feeder program” for RSHS. Both of Hood’s sons, current Richmond varsity quarterback and rising sophomore Caleb, and rising freshman Kellan, went through the RYFA.
What Hood and this staff of roughly a dozen other certified coaches hope to do is develop rising athletes to meet and understand the skills and expectations required to play at the high school and collegiate levels.
One thing that Hood emphasizes is that his program doesn’t hold tryouts, and any interested player, experienced or not, between the ages of five and 14 is encouraged to come out and participate. Practices have already begun, and will continue every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at RSHS’ practice fields.
Operating five different age group teams, including 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U and 14U, the cost for players is $66. That initial cost includes practice and game insurance, as well as a helmet and shoulder pads. Any other additional gear, including cleats, gloves and other practice attire, must be provided for by the player.
“Players will benefit from playing in our program because it’s a feeder program to the high school,” Hood explained. “We implement the same offensive and defensive system along with (the same) schemes.
“I started this program to help jumpstart players’ careers,” he continued. “I want to help them gain exposure and experience, and make positive strides toward becoming future Raider and collegiate football players.”
Hood has helped produce many Richmond football players since beginning his program in 2010. Last season, Hood had 16 of his 18 14U players make the junior varsity team at RSHS. His son Caleb was the lone player to make the varsity squad.
In 2016, the 14U team went undefeated and was one of two North Carolina teams to qualify to play in the national playoffs in Florida, entering as the fourth-ranked team in the nation. Though they didn’t win the championship, that season established a winning reputation for the program, and the young Raiders had continued success during the 2017 season.
To help limit the players’ additional costs, Hood noted that the organization will put on several fundraisers to help them pay for their two game uniforms, which they’ll be allowed to keep after the season. He also explained that all players will be required to participate in fundraisers, or will have to pay $120 out-of-pocket for their uniforms.
“We will conduct a few fundraisers to help parents offset their cost,” Hood stated. “We rely heavily on sponsors and fundraisers to help pay for the cost of the game fields that we play on, the vans we rent, the equipment we use each year and to pay the referees.
“Our first fundraiser will take place next month, as Smithfield Hog Production will donate us the meat to have a barbeque sale,” he concluded. “That will pay for each players’ game jerseys.”
Below is a list of important dates to remember for the Raider Youth Football Association:
Tuesdays and Thursdays: practice at RSHS practice fields from 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Monday, July 30: first official day of football season
Tuesday, Aug. 7: all paperwork due
Saturday, Aug. 11: conference jamboree at RSHS practice fields
Saturday, Aug. 18: NCAAU state jamboree (Charlotte, N.C.)
Saturday, Aug. 25: first week of regular season games
Saturday, Sept. 1: bye week, Labor Day break
Saturday, Sept. 8 -- Saturday, Oct. 27: regular season games
Saturday, Nov. 3: round one of playoffs (Fayetteville, N.C.)
Saturday, Nov. 10: round two of playoffs (RSHS)
Saturday, Nov. 17: round three of playoffs (Charlotte, N.C.)
Saturday, Dec. 1: NCAAU state championships (High Point, N.C.)
For more information, or questions pertaining to the youth program, contact Hood at (910) 331-6896.
