Local coaches urge Person County to restore Pee Wee football; county to survey interest

Two coaches from Person County urged the Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 6 to help revive Pee Wee football, saying a youth tackle program provides fundamentals and discipline that benefit middle and high school players.

Michael Johnson, head football coach at Person High School, said he was born and raised in the county and called Pee Wee football “an important building block to Person County.” He told commissioners many of his incoming middle‑school players lack basic tackling and other football fundamentals and said, “I’m willing to do anything to help” to rebuild a program and coach youth.

Chris Dickerson, head coach at Northern Middle School and a police captain in Roxboro, said seventh‑grade players are “coming in green as grass” and lack experience beyond video games and televised games. He said discipline gained through youth football can be important for students and added he and others are willing to coach and help organize the program.

During commissioners’ comments later in the meeting, a commissioner noted the parks and recreation department will conduct a survey to gauge county interest and participation in a football league. No timeline or funding decision for reinstating Pee Wee football was recorded in the meeting transcript; coaches said equipment and funding are concerns and suggested community volunteers could help.