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Football FAQ

What do I need to know about football uniforms?

All players in grades 2-6 will need practice pants and a girdle.  Players in grades 2-6 will also need a practice jersey.  A practice jersey will be loaned to all 7th and 8th grade players (7th yellow and 8th maroon). 

Saco Junior Trojans will loan out game uniforms to all players.   Players in grades 2-6 will receive 1 game jersey, 1 pair of game pants, a belt and game socks.  Players in grades 7 and 8 will receive 2 game jerseys, 2 pairs of game pants, a belt and 1 pair of game socks.  A contract will be signed during the online registration process regarding the expectations of the uniform loan.

What will my player need for equipment?

All players will need shoulder pads, a WHITE helmet, a mouth guard and football cleats.   In addition players will need a set of lower pads (knee, thigh, hip and tailbone).  The pads can be moved between game pants and practice pants as needed.  If a player uses practice pants with built in pads, a player will still need a set of pads for their game pants.  Players should also have a water bottle.

Helmet decals will be provided/applied to helmets after the season starts.

Does Saco Junior Trojans have used equipment?

We do have a limited supply of used equipment which we can lend to players for the season.  Contact Darrell Whitney at DarrellWhitney@gmail.com to discuss your equipment needs.  Loaned equipment will be collected at the end of the year banquet.  Please consider donating outgrown, used equipment to Saco Junior Trojans.  Our needs will vary.

How much is a football uniform?

Practice uniforms can be purchased at a location of your choice.  There are local options such as Dick’s Sporting Goods (South Portland) and Play it Again Sports (Portland) so players can be properly fitted and there are many online options as well.  A coupon for Dick’s will be shared before the season starts.

Can I wash my uniform?

Yes, please!  Please follow our posted washing instructions for uniforms.  These instructions are available under About Us > Documents.

How much is a football uniform?

Practice uniforms can be purchased at a location of your choice.  There are local options such as Dick’s Sporting Goods (South Portland) and Play it Again Sports (Portland) so players can be properly fitted and there are many online options as well.  A coupon for Dick’s will be shared before the season starts.

What do I need to do to get my football player’s game uniform?

Game uniforms will be distributed to players during a practice at the beginning of the season.

What does my football player wear/bring to practice?

Football players should wear their full practice uniform to all practices, all protective gear, and football cleats.  Players should also bring a water bottle and label the bottle with their name.  

Coaches may ask their players to wear their game jerseys to pregame practices.  Coaches will communicate if/when this is the case.

Practice Check List: Practice jersey, practice pants and girdle (or practice pants with built-in pads), helmet, shoulder pads, protective pads (thigh, knee, hip, tail bone) for girdle and pants,  mouth guard and water bottle.

When is football practice?

Football practice days/times will be announced prior to the beginning of the season.  Days and times will depend on coach and field availability.  Peewee players can expect to practice twice a week.  JV players can expect to practice two or three days per week.  Middle School players (7th and 8th Grade) can expect to practice 4 days a week.

Where are football practices?

All football practices will take place on the fields behind Thornton Academy.  Coaches will announce where their team will gather and practice.  The middle school teams (7th and 8th) will practice on the Saco Junior Trojans field.

When can my football player expect to play in games?

Games will likely start the first weekend in September.  Game schedules will be distributed as soon as they are available.  Grades 2-6 games are usually scheduled on Saturdays.  Grades 7-8 games are usually scheduled on Sundays.  An additional mid-week game may be occasionally added for grades 7-8.

 

Where will games be played?

Home football games will be at Thornton Academy.   Grades 2-6 will play on the Saco Junior Trojans field behind Thornton Academy.  On occasion, they may play at Thornton Academy's Hill Stadium.  Middle School (7th and 8th) home games will be played at Thornton Academy's Hill Stadium unless otherwise announced.  Additional mid-day Middle School (7th and 8th) games, if added, will likely be played at the Saco Junior Trojans Field behind Thornton Academy.  Away games will vary.  Locations will be identified on season schedules and announced by team coaches.  All field directions can be found on our website.

Can I volunteer?

Volunteers are always welcome!  Each season, announcements will be made if there is a need for Board Members, coaches, assistant coaches and team parents.  In addition , coaches/team parents will seek volunteers for help with game responsibilities.  At all games, volunteers can bring half-time oranges or after game snacks.  During home games, there will be a need for people to operate chains and the down marker.  There may also be opportunities to run the game cloak or be a game announcer.  We are also always looking for help in the snack shacks.  Watch for announcement on how you can help or ask a Board Member, coach or team parent.

Who can I contact with football questions?

You can reach out to Darrell Whitney, SJT president, with any Saco Junior Trojan questions. Darrell can be reached at darrellwhitney@gmail.com or 207.229.8624.  You can also contact Kevin Kezal, the Thornton Academy head football coach, at 207.602.8668.