Valley City and Barnes County North are considering ending their co-op agreement for football teams, which has been in place for the past four years. The decision comes after declining participation numbers and concerns about the future of the co-op.
The co-op was formed in 2017 due to low numbers of players at both schools, allowing them to combine their resources and continue offering a football program. However, with continued challenges in recruiting players and competing at a high level, both schools are now reevaluating the partnership.
Valley City Athletic Director Mike Schultz stated that the decision to potentially end the co-op is not final, and discussions are ongoing. He emphasized that the focus is on providing the best opportunities for student-athletes, whether that be through a continued partnership or separate football programs.
Barnes County North Superintendent Jeff Manley echoed Schultz’s sentiments, indicating that there are pros and cons to both continuing the co-op and separating the teams. The schools will consider factors such as travel distance, student interest, and the overall success of the football programs in making their decision.
If the co-op agreement is dissolved, both Valley City and Barnes County North will need to make decisions on how to move forward with their football programs independently. This could include joining a different co-op, restructuring their programs, or facing the challenge of fielding teams with lower participation numbers.
As discussions continue, the schools are seeking input from parents, students, and community members to gather feedback on the potential changes. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that student-athletes have the opportunity to continue playing football in a supportive and competitive environment.
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