Georgetown County’s youth football program is experiencing one of its strongest seasons in years, thanks to a multi-year effort to rebuild excitement, skills and school spirit among young athletes.

Parks and Recreation Director Beth Goodale and Recreation Manager Jason Walters say the county’s Sportsmanship Initiative, launched three years ago, is now paying off in measurable ways—including a surge in registration, stronger feeder programs for area schools and a renewed sense of pride among players and families.

The initiative began when staff noticed a growing disconnect: fewer children were sticking with youth football long enough to transition into middle and high school programs, and the once-common enthusiasm for “playing for your school” had begun to fade. At the same time, participation in youth tackle football was dropping nationwide.

“We realized numbers were declining, excitement was declining, and kids weren’t feeling prepared or connected when it came time to move into school athletics,” Goodale said. “We have great athletes in Georgetown County, but we wanted to help build well-rounded young people—kids who learn teamwork, how to win and lose gracefully, and who feel proud of where they’re going to school.”

A Collaborative Model with Real Results

The turning point came when the department brought together athletic directors and football coaches from across the district, Walters said.

“We asked them, ‘What can we do to help?’” he said. “The answer was simple—kids needed to know the coaches, the programs and the expectations long before they showed up for tryouts.”

The county began inviting school football staff to practices and games to supervise, mentor and spend time with the kids. That early connection made an immediate impact.

“We started seeing buy-in right away,” Walters said. “For the first time since before the pandemic, kids were transitioning directly into school ball. Participation has climbed every year since.”

The numbers illustrate the success: teams that once struggled to field 12 to 15 players—often forcing “Ironman” football, where athletes played both offense and defense without breaks—now have 30 players per team. Equipment shortages, while a challenge, reflect a welcome problem: too many kids signing up.

“We can’t do it without our partners,” Walters said. “But the collaboration has been incredible.”

Flag-to-Tackle Model Improves Safety and Preparation

Another major shift has been the county’s decision to begin the season with flag football in August, followed by the tackle season in October. This change came after the district shifted to a year-round school calendar.

“With kids going back to school in early August, the heat was unbearable for full-pad practices,” Goodale said. “Flag football lets them get conditioned, learn fundamentals, and stay safe before we transition into tackle.”

Flag football, which is co-ed, also gives interested girls an opportunity to join the sport. High school coaches and even some student athletes now assist with parts of the season, thanks to the timing.

Once tackle season begins, coaches provide a small set of core plays and strategies the rec program can replicate. “When those kids get to the next level, they’re already running the basics,” Walters said. “They hit the ground ready.”

Building Pride and Community

For Goodale, the most rewarding moments happen when young players take the field at their high school stadiums.

“Seeing those kids play under the lights where they hope to play one day—it’s incredible,” she said. “It builds pride in their region and their future schools. Their parents are in the stands, the community is involved, and it creates an excitement that keeps kids coming back.”

The sportsmanship initiative has also strengthened the volunteer community. Parents whose children have aged out are returning to coach, and the involvement of career coaches has raised the level of instruction across the board.

“Volunteers are the backbone of rec programs everywhere,” Goodale said. “Having high school coaches involved not only helps the kids, but it helps teach our volunteers how to coach effectively.”

Volunteer Needs and Community Opportunities

While the program is thriving, the department continues to need volunteers—especially coaches and officials.

“We always need officials, and we pay and train them,” Goodale emphasized. “It’s a nationwide issue right now, and we feel it locally.”

Volunteer opportunities are available across all youth sports, outdoor programming and senior services. In addition to youth athletics, Georgetown County Parks & Recreation manages a broad range of services for older adults, including congregate dining sites, home-delivered meals, transportation, fitness programs, and special events. The department delivers about 3,000 meals per month through its Meals on Wheels service.

Seasonally, the department also offers year-round recreation opportunities for all ages, from line dancing and pickleball to hiking clubs, senior fitness, theater programs and more.