Clarendon Elite Youth Sports is using the 2026 football season to build its next generation of athletes.
The nonprofit organization currently has 47 football players across its 8U, 10U and 12U divisions. Clarendon Elite is continuing to recruit, particularly for its 10U roster, ahead of an Aug. 29 jamboree.
“This season is more of a rebuild year for us,” head coach and director Chris Weeks said. “We lost several key players because they aged out of the organization, while some of our seventh-grade athletes decided to experience school tackle football for the first time.”
Clarendon Elite served 84 children in 2024. Although participation is lower this season, Weeks said the change gives coaches an opportunity to strengthen the program’s foundation and prepare younger players to become future leaders.
Training began with spring conditioning in March, allowing returning players to get back into football shape while introducing newcomers to tackle football and the expectations of the program. Regular practices began May 12.
Coaches have emphasized discipline, conditioning, teamwork, preparation and knowledge of the game.
“We want our athletes to understand that being a successful football player requires more than athletic ability — it requires preparation, accountability and commitment,” Weeks said.
Weeks said the newcomers have brought energy and excitement to the program. Spring conditioning allowed coaches to evaluate their abilities, willingness to learn and potential.
“We’re especially excited about the opportunity to take athletes who may be completely new to tackle football and teach them the fundamentals while helping them build confidence,” he said.
Clarendon Elite also has experienced players returning in each division. Among the expected 12U leaders are quarterback Jaden Mance, running back Ayden Murray, receiver Dillen Scott and center Samir Gipson.
The 10U division returns running back Jr. Fulton and quarterback Bryson Pearson, while the 8U team includes quarterback Daniel McFadden, center Jayce Bellant and receiver Micheal Griffin.
“These young men bring experience to the field, but we also expect them to grow as leaders and help set the tone for our younger athletes,” Weeks said.
Before the jamboree, practices will focus on conditioning, communication, assignments and team chemistry. Weeks said each practice is important as athletes learn to compete together.
Clarendon Elite will play four home games at Ramsey Stadium at Manning High School. Weeks said fans can expect competitive youth football, support from families and an energetic atmosphere created in part by the organization’s cheerleaders.
The cheerleaders do more than support the football teams, he said. Participation gives the girls an opportunity to develop their own athletic skills while learning confidence, discipline, teamwork, commitment and leadership.
“We want our home games to be more than football,” Weeks said. “We want them to be opportunities for the community to come together and support our children.”
The organization’s goals extend beyond the scoreboard. Clarendon Elite emphasizes education, leadership and community involvement alongside athletic development.
Weeks and his wife, fellow director Angela Weeks, visit schools throughout the year and require athletes to submit report cards and interim reports. If a student is struggling, the organization works with the student, parents and teachers to develop a plan for improvement.
“We want our athletes to understand that being a Clarendon Elite athlete means being a student-athlete,” Chris Weeks said.
Community service also remains part of the program. Clarendon Elite is planning a trash pickup along the section of highway it adopted in 2024 to teach participants about responsibility and pride in their community.
Transportation and travel expenses continue to present challenges for the nonprofit. Local businesses and residents can assist through sponsorships, donations, in-kind support and volunteering. Contributions help cover transportation, equipment, uniforms and other costs.
Weeks said he hopes participants finish the season with more than improved football skills.
“I want them to leave Clarendon Elite with greater confidence, discipline, accountability and an understanding of what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves,” he said. “Wins and losses are temporary. The relationships they build, the lessons they learn, the confidence they develop and the impact they have on their community can stay with them for a lifetime.”
