The Wichita Park and Recreation Department and the Wichita school district have announced a partnership to enhance the Wichita Junior Football League and to share facilities, starting this fall.

The partnership will have the city’s Junior Football League playing its games on Wichita Public Schools turf fields.   In the fall of 2025 Wichita Park and Recreation will transform the Junior League Football League program for 7^th and 8^th grade students to align with WPS high school attendance areas.  As part of the program, WPS will provide mentors and tutors to support students’ academic success.

As part of the partnership, there will be other opportunities to share facilities, including:

• WPS can use city baseball fields in August and March – May for early-morning practices;
• The City of Wichita can have access to West High’s swimming pool at designated times to provide lifeguard certification and water safety training;
• WPS students and staff may obtain lifeguard certification through the city and students will have an opportunity for employment as lifeguards at the City pools;
• WPS PE teachers and swim coaches may attend courses to become instructors in Lifeguard Certification and Water Safety.

The use of City and WPS athletic facilities will be provided free of charge.

The city’s recreation superintendent, Reggie Davidson, said the city and the school district have a shared belief in providing athletic opportunities for young athletes.  He said this will enhance the football experience for students and it will create a strong connection between the Junior League Football program and the broader educational community.  Davidson said this will give young people an opportunity to have a good experience in football and preparation to be successful in life, on and off the field.

Dr. William Polite, the school district’s executive director for equity, diversity and accountability, said the partnership will strengthen the academic identities of young people as they prepare to enter high school.   He said when a student athlete has a strong academic identity, it leads to potential college scholarship offers to help them compete at the college level.