WELCOME
We welcome in all of our new parents and athletes to the Berkley Bears Football Program. Your child is our child and we protect and teach them the game of Football, but more than that, we pursue high academics, professionalism and the will to compete in each and every child. Below is some information for you to know coming into the Season.
PRE SEASON INFORMATION
PHYSICALS - MHSAA Sports Physicals are required for all athletes dated after April 15, 2023 to be eligible for 2023 Fall. These need to be turned into the Athletic Department / Taylor Horn or Coach Shields before August 7th.
COSTS - Berkley Football has a High School Participation fee (check with Athletic Director for you costs), but otherwise you have no outside costs other than Camp Uniforms, Cleats, Cup and Mouth guard. We highly rely on the Boosters to support us with new uniforms and equipment. Costs are paid through the Berkley School District Website.
The Home and Away games generally have a entrance fee of $5 per person. Berkley Schools send out information in regards to a "BEARS CARD" that is a one time cost but allows access to home games and competitions throughout the year. Contact the office staff for details.
CAMPS - Camps will begin in June of each year, starting with 7 on 7 Camps, and Lineman camps. We will regularly post these dates through emails and on this website. There are also Team Camps for all Berkley Football players starting on Wednesdays in June. See calendar for dates.
GRADES: All students must maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher to be eligible for the program. Reach out to me if you have concerns or the student needs additional assistance.
INFO: We will normally share info through our emails. If you would like to be added, contact me at sean.shields@berkleyschools.org including your child's school and grade.
EQUIPMENT: All equipment (Helmet, Shoulder pads, Practice Gear, Game Uniforms) are provided. Parents may purchase their own girdle if they wish, otherwise will be provided for Freshman / JV. Varsity needs to order a Girdle. Girdles must protect the hips, tailbone, thigh and knee (7 pad girdle). You are responsible for purchasing a Mouth Guard, Protective Cups and cleats. Recommendation is Shock Doctor or similar product of high quality. Players do not NEED gloves, but many prefer them (Cutter is good brand). We also recommend Hot/Cold compression shirts, but are not mandatory. Please keep within basic team colors of Maroon / Blue / White.
CONDUCT: All players will at ALL times respect each other, ALL coaches at ANY level, and will refrain from the use of Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco, Vape Products, harassment, hazing, bullying and or any other Berkley School District Code of Conduct Guidelines. Any student who is unable to abide by these rules may be released from the Football Program.
COSTS - Berkley Football has a High School Participation fee (check with Athletic Director for you costs), but otherwise you have no outside costs other than Camp Uniforms, Cleats, Cup and Mouth guard. We highly rely on the Boosters to support us with new uniforms and equipment. Costs are paid through the Berkley School District Website.
The Home and Away games generally have a entrance fee of $5 per person. Berkley Schools send out information in regards to a "BEARS CARD" that is a one time cost but allows access to home games and competitions throughout the year. Contact the office staff for details.
CAMPS - Camps will begin in June of each year, starting with 7 on 7 Camps, and Lineman camps. We will regularly post these dates through emails and on this website. There are also Team Camps for all Berkley Football players starting on Wednesdays in June. See calendar for dates.
GRADES: All students must maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher to be eligible for the program. Reach out to me if you have concerns or the student needs additional assistance.
INFO: We will normally share info through our emails. If you would like to be added, contact me at sean.shields@berkleyschools.org including your child's school and grade.
EQUIPMENT: All equipment (Helmet, Shoulder pads, Practice Gear, Game Uniforms) are provided. Parents may purchase their own girdle if they wish, otherwise will be provided for Freshman / JV. Varsity needs to order a Girdle. Girdles must protect the hips, tailbone, thigh and knee (7 pad girdle). You are responsible for purchasing a Mouth Guard, Protective Cups and cleats. Recommendation is Shock Doctor or similar product of high quality. Players do not NEED gloves, but many prefer them (Cutter is good brand). We also recommend Hot/Cold compression shirts, but are not mandatory. Please keep within basic team colors of Maroon / Blue / White.
CONDUCT: All players will at ALL times respect each other, ALL coaches at ANY level, and will refrain from the use of Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco, Vape Products, harassment, hazing, bullying and or any other Berkley School District Code of Conduct Guidelines. Any student who is unable to abide by these rules may be released from the Football Program.
WORKOUTS
Our athletes are always welcome to work out in the Gym, but specifically our workout days are M-F from November until August from 330-500pm.
There may be occasionally morning workouts in May/June on Fridays from 7-8am & chalk board sessions on Wednesdays (May / June) from 4:00pm-5:00pm. Check calendar for updates.
The GOOGLE calendar will be updated regularly.
Our athletes are always welcome to work out in the Gym, but specifically our workout days are M-F from November until August from 330-500pm.
There may be occasionally morning workouts in May/June on Fridays from 7-8am & chalk board sessions on Wednesdays (May / June) from 4:00pm-5:00pm. Check calendar for updates.
The GOOGLE calendar will be updated regularly.
SEASON INFORMATION
BOOSTERS
The Berkley Boosters are parent volunteers that help fundraise for our sports programs. Each year, the Booster raises THOUSANDS of Dollars for our Football program, amongst others. Click here to help join the BOOSTERS.
The Berkley Boosters are parent volunteers that help fundraise for our sports programs. Each year, the Booster raises THOUSANDS of Dollars for our Football program, amongst others. Click here to help join the BOOSTERS.
GAME VOLUNTEERS
At our Home Games, volunteers are needed in the concessions stand. We want to get Sophomore / Freshman parents that can assist during the Varsity games. Information will be shared later for a "sign-up genius" link to volunteer in concessions during the Varsity Games.
At our Home Games, volunteers are needed in the concessions stand. We want to get Sophomore / Freshman parents that can assist during the Varsity games. Information will be shared later for a "sign-up genius" link to volunteer in concessions during the Varsity Games.
PRACTICE
We begin practice usually the first Monday in August. Two-A Day practices are from 4p-9pm for the first two weeks, and then 4pm-615pm after that. Athletes are expected to be in full gear, on time, and come with good attitudes
Practices are held across from Berkley High along Catalpa
There are locker rooms at the High School to keep their gear
Full gear is considered Helmet, Shoulder Pads, Practice Jersey, Practice Pants, Cleats, Protective Cup, Mouth guard, Girdle.
We begin practice usually the first Monday in August. Two-A Day practices are from 4p-9pm for the first two weeks, and then 4pm-615pm after that. Athletes are expected to be in full gear, on time, and come with good attitudes
Practices are held across from Berkley High along Catalpa
There are locker rooms at the High School to keep their gear
Full gear is considered Helmet, Shoulder Pads, Practice Jersey, Practice Pants, Cleats, Protective Cup, Mouth guard, Girdle.
GAMES
Games begin August 24 for JV/Freshman and August 25 for Varsity. A schedule will be posted on our GAME SCHEDULE page, as well as through emails. Home games are held at Hurley Field (Anderson Middle School) and away games will be bused to their location. All student transporting by Bus will go / return with the bus and families can pick them up from BHS after the event.
There are 9 games per season, and if eligible , the MHSAA Playoffs the following weeks.
Games begin August 24 for JV/Freshman and August 25 for Varsity. A schedule will be posted on our GAME SCHEDULE page, as well as through emails. Home games are held at Hurley Field (Anderson Middle School) and away games will be bused to their location. All student transporting by Bus will go / return with the bus and families can pick them up from BHS after the event.
There are 9 games per season, and if eligible , the MHSAA Playoffs the following weeks.
TEAM DINNERS
On Wednesday nights (for JV ) and on Thursday nights (for Varsity) the teams will come together for a Team Dinner. These are usually set up by our awesome parent volunteers to be held around 630pm after practice in the BHS Courtyard. The team bonding and family bonding is huge for these events. We are always looking for a parent to help run the coordination of the team dinners. Typically parents will set up a "sign-up genius" link for food donations and parents take care of bringing, setting up, feeding and cleaning up. If you can help set it up / communicate with parents / organize the team dinners, please contact Coach Shields. Like we say, "IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD"...
On Wednesday nights (for JV ) and on Thursday nights (for Varsity) the teams will come together for a Team Dinner. These are usually set up by our awesome parent volunteers to be held around 630pm after practice in the BHS Courtyard. The team bonding and family bonding is huge for these events. We are always looking for a parent to help run the coordination of the team dinners. Typically parents will set up a "sign-up genius" link for food donations and parents take care of bringing, setting up, feeding and cleaning up. If you can help set it up / communicate with parents / organize the team dinners, please contact Coach Shields. Like we say, "IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD"...
AFTER GAME VIDEO REVIEW
After each game, the athletes will watch video the following day. For JV will be Friday, and Varsity will be on Saturday mornings. Email information will be sent out to the parents / students about the time. The location will be the Football Office, which is located south of the West Gym (off the alley). All of the players will be shown this in the first week of practice.
HUDL VIDEO SYSTEM
We utilize the HUDL video system to communicate with players, coaches, playbooks and videos. The players will be given access to the program by using an email address. The coaches will send important messages to them. Make sure your child is actively using HUDL to learn plays and stay in daily communication with the Coach. We will try to share as much info as possible, but check in with your players to make sure they are reviewing it.
Please contact COACH SHIELDS if you need access for your athlete to HUDL. All players are expected to utilize this system.
After each game, the athletes will watch video the following day. For JV will be Friday, and Varsity will be on Saturday mornings. Email information will be sent out to the parents / students about the time. The location will be the Football Office, which is located south of the West Gym (off the alley). All of the players will be shown this in the first week of practice.
HUDL VIDEO SYSTEM
We utilize the HUDL video system to communicate with players, coaches, playbooks and videos. The players will be given access to the program by using an email address. The coaches will send important messages to them. Make sure your child is actively using HUDL to learn plays and stay in daily communication with the Coach. We will try to share as much info as possible, but check in with your players to make sure they are reviewing it.
Please contact COACH SHIELDS if you need access for your athlete to HUDL. All players are expected to utilize this system.