Football moms suit up for annual Central clinic

When Central High School's football season starts Sept. 6, there will be a group of fans that knows everything about their plays and formations.

No, the Tigers didn't lose a playbook, and no one has been spying on their practices.

It's the players' moms.

Central ran its sixth annual Mother's Football Clinic on Saturday. Mothers of Central football players were run through plays at their sons' position, taught offensive and defensive schemes, learned about types of equipment and rules, and discussed health and nutrition issues.

Coach Lawrence Brookins, who brought the idea of the clinic with him from Columbia, Mo., said it helps get mothers into athletics, an area where moms are sometimes left out.

"Usually she's ignored when it comes to the athletic realm, especially in contact sports where they have concerns," Brookins said.

Besides the indoor session of the clinic -- which covered safety and technical information -- the mothers were put through common exercises and plays their sons experience regularly.

"We let them physically feel and understand what their kids are asked to do on a day-to-day basis," Brookins said.

Geneva Allen, whose son David plays tailback, has attended the clinic for three years and said that she has learned a lot about the game.

"It gives me a better understanding of football," she said. "Plus it gets me together with other moms."

Allen said that by getting on the field and learning the plays, she has a better appreciation for the game.

"It teaches me that there is education in it," she said.

For Karen Redfearn, a first-timer, the clinic was a good chance to meet all of the moms.

"It develops communication," she said. "And for people that are new here it helps develop relationships with the community."

For the mothers Saturday's clinic also gives them a chance to be involved with their sons athletic career.

"It's a good way for moms to show support for their son," Nancy Jernigan said. "And the boys enjoy seeing their mom out there making a fool of herself."

Brookins said that the clinic is a great way to promote the team.

"We just recruited 40 cheerleaders," he said. "They feel closer to the Tiger football program."

An important aspect of the clinic was an informational session about injury prevention and recognition by HealthSouth. The session explored issues like dehydration and concussion recognition.

Brookins said that it is important for moms to feel comfortable sending their sons onto the field each week.

"I want them to leave with a sense of calm and assuredness that we're doing everything we can to keep them safe," he said.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

(573) 335-6611, extension 171