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Fall Athletics Sign-Up: Football, Cross-Country, & Tennis
Changes to the PDS Intramural Football Structure (Grades 4-6)
Dear Parents,
As we continue to evaluate and strengthen our football program, we want to share an important update regarding our league structure moving forward.
For many years, PDS has offered a 4th grade intramural league as well as a combined 5th/6th grade intramural league, in addition to our 5th and 6th grade Crusader football teams. After thoughtful consideration, we have decided to discontinue the combined 5th/6th grade intramural league.
This change is being made with the goal of enhancing the overall experience for our 5th and 6th grade boys. In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult for players to balance both intramural and Crusader football schedules, and we want to be intentional about reducing conflicts within the broader PDS athletics calendar. This adjustment also allows us to maximize our schedule for the boys and create a more cohesive, manageable experience across the program.
Additionally, we have seen a shift in participation patterns, with more boys choosing—or only being able—to participate in one program. This has naturally led to stronger, more consistent participation in the Crusader teams, reinforcing the value of focusing our efforts there.
Moving forward:
• 4th Grade: Intramural (introductory)
• 5th & 6th Grades: Crusader football teams (developmental and competitive)
This structure creates a clearer progression into 5th and 6th grade while allowing for more effective practices and a better overall experience.
There are no tryouts or cuts, and all boys interested in playing football are encouraged to participate.
We’re excited about the direction of the program and appreciate your continued support.
Thanks,
Dennis Smith
Director of Athletics and Operations
Fall Athletics Sign-Up: Football, Cross-Country, & Tennis
Cost, General Schedules, and Other Information:
- Intramural Football
For Grades: 4th Grade
Please register your son by June 15th.
Cost
The cost of playing Intramural football is $225.00 and will be billed to your PDS account. This fee will help pay for the league expenses, referees, jerseys, team pictures, and the end of the year sports banquet.
After everyone has signed up, the players will be divided and put on a team with one of the PDS coaches. Teams will only play against other PDS teams. This is an introductory tackle football league featuring a modified field size and adjusted number of players on the field to support skill development and gameplay.
Games and Practices
IMPORTANT
- Boys will participate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
- Boys will average about two activities per week.
The boys are to report to the gym after school, change clothes in the locker room, and go to the field together with their coach. After games and practices, the boys will come back together and be picked up in front of the main entrance.
For 4th grade games and practices, pick up time will be at approximately 5:00pm.
A full practice and game schedule will be out by the second week of school with practices starting the week of September 8th.
Equipment
All players should provide their own shoulder pads, white football pants, cleats, mouthpieces, and a white helmet. The school will provide a jersey to be used for all practices and games.
- Crusader Football
IMPORTANT: Schedule Conflict
Due to conflicting schedules, if you choose to participate in the 6th grade Crusader football program, you will NOT be allowed to participate in Crusader cross country.
Please register your son by June 15th.
We will offer a 5th grade and a 6th grade Crusader football team. Our PDS coaches will be coaching these teams with Mark Fruitt and Jay Smith heading up the 5th Grade team and Palmer Albertine and David Rose heading up the 6th Grade team.
The Crusaders are competitive-level teams and there are no tryouts; however, playing time is not guaranteed.
Cost
The cost for playing Crusader football is $250.00 and will be billed to your PDS account. This fee will help pay for the league expenses, referees, uniforms, team pictures, and the end of the year sports banquet.
Games and Practices
A complete game and practice schedule will be announced once sign-ups are completed with practices starting Monday, August 3rd. Boys will be in shorts, t-shirts, and helmets on the first two days of practice. The boys will be in full pads for the remaining practices.
Equipment
All players should provide their own shoulder pads, white football pants, cleats, and mouthpiece for practice. PDS will provide game uniforms, practice jerseys, and a blue helmet that is to be worn for all practices and games. There is no need to purchase a white football helmet.
- Crusader Cross Country
For Grades: 6th Grade
IMPORTANT: Schedule Conflict
Due to conflicting schedules, if you choose to participate in Crusader cross country, you will NOT be allowed to play Crusader tennis or Crusader football.
Please register your son by June 15th.
We will offer a 6th grade Crusader cross-country team. Coach Jackson Boyd will lead this team.
Due to the time and training involved, the Athletic Dept. encourages you and your son to thoughtfully evaluate whether or not he wants to make this commitment to Crusader cross country.
Cost
The cost for Crusader cross country is $200.00 and will be billed to your PDS account. This fee will help pay for the league expenses, uniforms, team pictures, and the end of the year sports banquet.
Meets and Practices
Practice will start the week of August 3rd. Coach Boyd will send out a complete schedule once sign-ups are complete. Once the school year begins, the boys will practice on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Practices will be right after school and will last one hour. All meets will be held on Tuesdays, beginning in September. Meets will be at Shelby Farms. Each meet will be 2 miles long and participants will include 6th through 8th graders. The season will conclude by mid-October.
Equipment
All runners should provide their own shorts and shirts for practice. The school will provide uniforms for meets.
- Crusader Tennis
For Grades: 6th Grade
IMPORTANT: Schedule Conflict
Due to conflicting schedules, if you make the Crusader tennis team, you will NOT be allowed to participate in Crusader cross country.
Please register your son by June 15th.
We will offer a 6th grade Crusader tennis team. This team will be led by Coach Luke Wise.
Cost
For the boys who are selected for the tennis team, the cost is $200.00 and will be billed to your PDS account.
Matches
We will begin matches in August, and the season will conclude at the end of September. Boys will compete in the Shelby League against 6th through 8th graders. Due to the time and training involved, the Athletic Dept. encourages you and your son to thoughtfully evaluate whether or not he wants to make this commitment.
IMPORTANT: Tryouts will be held at Leftwich in August before school starts. Typically, between 4 and 8 players make the tennis team. If you plan on trying out, email Luke Wise at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . More information will follow once we know the number of boys who intend to try out.Equipment
All tennis players should provide their own racket. The school will provide uniforms for matches.
