Football Is A Whole Lot More Than A Sport....It's a Family

If you have ever had the chance to talk with Dave Masters, Head Coach of the Simsbury High School Football team, you know that football equals family. To Dave, this is not just a sport but an opportunity to instill life lessons for these athletes, ones that they take with them through college and beyond. I can say this with the upmost confidence, because my son played for Coach Masters and even he recognizes the lessons he learned from this team of amazing coaches. Family is so much more than the team, it encompasses not only the players and their families but the school, the community and in this case the world.

The Simsbury Varsity Football team invited the National Football Team from Germany to come and practice for the day. These kids traveled a great distance to gain the unique opportunity to be coached by some of the top football coaches in our area. These young men are the top players selected from over 14,000 applicants throughout Germany.

The day was structured with both a morning and afternoon two-hour practice. The athletes navigated through the different stations, manned by the coaching staff to focus on specific skills sets necessary to be successful on the field. The players quickly bonded and worked together as the day progressed. On the football field, there was no language barrier. They all spoke the same language, football.

A cookout lunch was organized by the Simsbury Gridiron Booster Club to feed over 100 hungry players, coaches and family members. The athletes were given time to watch a movie, relax and bond in between the practices.

I was given the honor to photograph the day, something I will cherish for a lifetime. I love the sport of football, a passion I have had since I was a little girl. After viewing my pictures, I realized I captured a day full of teamwork, brotherhood, hard work, kindness and family. I didn’t think it was possible to love this sport more, but I do. Dave Masters, you ARE teaching about the importance of family. These young men are very lucky to have your leadership, dedication and vision. Go Trojans!!

Respectfully Submitted,

Michelle Wingfield

SHS Varsity Game schedule: http://stats.ciacsports.com/cgi-bin/schedule-1920.cgi?school=Simsbury&sport=boys-football&site=&levels=V&color=000099