CCS suspends 2018 high school football

Concord Christian School announced Wednesday, May 9, it will not field a high school varsity football team for the 2018 season.

This announcement “was shared in a meeting with middle school and high School student-athletes and parents recently on Concord’s campus,” a CCS press released stated.

Citing the low number of committed players and concern for student/athlete safety, CCS head of school Mark Kelly further stated in the release, “This was not an easy decision, but one that needed to be made.

“Although this is a disappointment to our student athletes, coaching staff and football fans, it is ultimately the right decision for Concord and the long-term success of our athletic programs,” he added.

Athletic director Bruce Johnson, “who joined Concord with a significant track record in building state championship football teams in North Carolina, will also work on efforts to build interest in youth levels for the game,” the press release stated.

Moreover, “Plans are being developed to provide high school football at the junior varsity level for the 2019–2020 school year,” the release further stated.

“We have some young men that have dedicated years of hard work to starting football here at Concord Christian, and it is with a heavy heart we make the decision to step back and rebuild,” Johnson stated in the release. “I want to thank our football players for all their sacrifice and to let them know we will always honor them as the pioneers of football at Concord Christian.”

Troy Fleming, CCS high school head coach, stated, “My four years as head football coach of Concord Christian School has been an honor and privilege.

“I was given the responsibility to lead young men of character and heart on to the football field on Friday nights and I did that with the utmost joy and happiness,” he added. “Every young man dreams of one day playing high school football on a competitive level, and these young menlived out their dreams these past four years.

“Although they faced insurmountable odds, they laid it all on the line for their school.”