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District to collaborate with Ogden Wildcats on youth tackle football to boost high‑school participation
Summary
School officials announced a partnership with the Ogden Wildcats youth football association aimed at rebuilding the youth‑to‑high‑school football pipeline, reducing registration costs and aligning coaching; the item was informational and the board asked staff to continue coordination.
District athletic officials and community partners presented an informational proposal on April 17 to collaborate with the Ogden Wildcats Youth Football Association to strengthen the youth football pipeline feeding Ogden high schools.
Mitch Arquette, the district athletic director, said declining youth participation over the past decade has reduced the pool of players available for high school teams and that a structured partnership could increase numbers and sustain competitive programs. Arquette and high school athletic directors outlined steps including reducing registration fees for families (program representatives indicated the district partnership would allow a lowered registration fee), scheduling practices on district fields, coordinating transportation, and aligning coaching philosophies across youth and high‑school programs.
Ogden High’s new head coach Terry Larson and Ben Lomond High athletic director Cabel Smith described the need for earlier skill development and a consistent feeder system. Larson noted that many high‑school freshmen arrive without tackle experience and said a sustained youth program teaching fundamentals would reduce attrition and improve team readiness. The presentation included baseline registration figures and projected targets for increased registrations over multiple years; district and club leaders emphasized scholarship and fundraising options so no child would be turned away for inability to pay.
The proposal would shift resources from the junior‑high flag football model to a youth tackle model managed in partnership with the Wildcats; district staff said Ogden Recreation offers flag programs and the district’s proposal focuses on aligning a tackle pathway to feed high schools. Board members asked for more details on baseline participation by elementary school and on provisions for low‑income families; club leaders and the district said scholarships and community sponsors would cover children who cannot pay.
No formal board vote was required; the board received the informational presentation and directed staff to continue planning and partnership discussions.
