Expert: Thom Brooks - 12/7/2007

Question
I am a student at a school with a major football program. I would love to tryout just to be a nothing on the squad, but I don't think that is possible. I am a pretty small guy, a midget in football standards. 5''9 140. But I would love to do something with the team. I love football and have a lot of knowledge of the game. Are there jobs for students that involve training, student coaching, film assistant, etc. I would love to get involved in the program. Any advice you have on going about this would be appreciated.  

Answer
Al, hello!

First thing that comes to mind is that you can get your degree in Sports Medicine and be an Athletic Trainer.  

All of the other duties that are required behind the scenes you have mentioned.  All would be great, but which would make you happiest?  

Do you have the ability to be a kicker?  

If your college does not have an opening for you, how about going to the local city and county recreational departments, YMCA, and your state's High School Football Official's local association?  These people would love to have you.  You would actually get paid to be a football official.  A fella in our Coastal Football Association is smaller than you, but he's been calling games for nearly 20 years, and he is outstanding.  He gets out there in the middle of the mud and the blood and the beer.  

If you decide not to be an Athletic Trainer or Football Official, then you need to contact the Coaches to see if they have any slots available for film, or assistant to the assistant type work.  

Wish you the best!  Let me know how you turn out!

Merry Christmas,

Thom Brooks