THOMASVILLE – The Thomasville YMCA will be offering a new program in the spring. 7v7 football. 

7v7 football has grown significantly in popularity in recent years. High schools like Thomas County Central host and travel to multiple 7v7 OTA’s in the summer, many colleges host 7v7 tournaments, and some strictly 7v7 teams even compete in national tournaments that feature the biggest and brightest stars of the future.

The idea came about when Thomasville YMCA Program Director Houston Massey watched the Thomasville All-Star teams compete in the Georgia Recreation and Park Association tournament. 

“We’re able to compete as far as athletes. We have kids that are just as athletic, but we’re missing some of the fundamentals,” Massey said. 

Now, Thomasville youth will have access to their own 7v7 league with a focus on fun and competitive football that will help kids learn the fundamentals of the game. The YMCA will offer spring 7v7 to 8u, 10u, and 12u age groups with the season beginning on March 24 and ending on May 12. 

There has been a wealth of support for the new program, especially from the local football programs at Thomas County Central, Thomasville, and Brookwood.

“They’ve been awesome. All three of them,” said Massey. “I’ve been able to speak to all three head coaches, all three of them have been awesome, supportive, anything we need they are there for us, which is big in this area.”