What is Rep Football?
Rep Football is a level of ball above developmental. The chief difference is that players are not guaranteed playing time. In theory the players on the field are the the ones the coaches believe give them the best chance to win.
Not all travel teams (often play games far from their local areas) are true rep level teams in that they will accept all players whether or not they have the experience and skill development to play at this level. On a true rep team players will be evaluated as to experience, skill development and in the case of rookies potential or native talent. Players not ready to play at this level would advised of this fact and parents would be advised that he/she be better placed in a developmental program.
How do I determine whether my child can play at this level?
If your child has the following characteristics he/she may be ready to play at this level:
1- Football Experience: The more football experience a player has the more likely they are to be prepared for the level of play at this level.
2- Sport Experience: Successful involvement in other sports whether hockey or track and field means that your child likely has the athletic talent, discipline and work habits necessary to progress rapidly at this level.
3- Desire: All things being equal desire is one of the most powerful forces in sport development. Many players who don't seem to have the experience or physical attributes associated with high level play are very siuccessful because they want to play and will work extremely hard to overcome any disadvantages they may have.
4. Coachability: A player who is willing/able to accept coaching, focus on the instructions being given, seek help when they have problems will learn and progress rapidly. Those who think they already know it all will stagnate.
2- Athleticism: With or without experience a player with athletic ability/talent will start at a higher level than those still developing. Athleticism can be developed but in a short season it is often difficult to do so in time to allow thios player much playing time.
Why did the MFL decide to enter summer "rep" football?
The MFL made this decision because we felt their was a need for a program to help further develop the players who had shown by their play in our developmental fall program to be able to benefit from a higher level of play.
The collapse of one of the two "rep" program leagues that had served Mississauga left a void that we felt should be filled to give our players choice and allow more the opportunity to play and develop.
We also felt that as affiliates of the Mississauga Recreation and Parks department and a proven "not for profit" organization with the ability to provide "affordable" football in the Fall program, we would be able to run this new program at a price the would make it accessible to players who would not normally be able to play at this level.
We will do all in our power to make this new program available to all while maintaing financial stability.