In Maine, many football programs are feeling the pinch as participation is down in the sport across the state. Many schools are looking to combine in order to compete and 10 varsity teams have transitioned to eight players on the field versus the traditional 11. In Gorham, however, the football program seems to be thriving as the number of participants in the program continues to rise.
The Gorham Youth Football program is run by the Gorham Football Boosters, Inc., a non-profit organization. The group is a member of SMYFL (Southern Maine Youth Football League) and its program includes players from first grade through eighth grade. There are four teams in the youth program: the Grizzlies (7-8), Jr. Grizzlies (5-6), Cubs (3-4), and Jr. Cubs (1-2).
According to Jen Corkum, a member of the Gorham Football Boosters Board of Directors, the 2018 the program had 83 players and grew to 100 players in 2019. Thirty-six of those players are new to the program this year, and while most of the players are boys, Corkum shared, “Our Grizzlies team has two female players and we would love to see more playing the game.”
Photo credit Jen CorkumThe Mighty Jr Cubs team, consisting of first and second graders, has 17 players this season.
Like all teams, Corkum shared that football is like a family, saying, “that is the energy you see and feel within this program.” The Jr. Cubs and Cubs teams recently combined at the Old Robie School for a team dinner. In attendance for the team bonding event were 42 players, their parents and siblings.
“The focus of our program is safety, respect, discipline, teamwork, pride, sportsmanship and fun. These kids are taught and show incredible focus, effort and determination,” Corkum said.
Corkum said the youth football program is made possible because of the time and effort from the Board of Directors, coaches and parent volunteers. “None of it would be possible without everyone coming together to support our kids,” she said. Collaboration with the Gorham High School Football program is also key to the success of Gorham Football as a whole. “It’s awesome to see the high school players get involved with the youth program. The younger kids really enjoy looking up to and connecting with the big kids,” Corkum shared.
The youth football players were at the GHS homecoming game where they formed a tunnel for the team’s entry onto the field, giving the young players a look into their future as they rise through the Gorham Football Program. Additional information about the program can be found at gorhamyouthfootball.com and on the Gorham Youth Football Boosters Facebook page.