A Community Coach
- Jordan Spriggs
- Oct 23, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 5, 2019
Get to know a man who truly coaches gridiron football for the love of both the game, and his community
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019
Edited by Jordan Spriggs on Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019 @ 23:17 (11:17pm)
Photo Credits: Brittnie Godwin Photography
PARKERSBURG, WV
Humble Beginnings
With all the negativity in our community, it's always great to know someone who is doing their part to provide something positive to do for young men in the Mid Ohio Valley. Ben French has had a local football league in Parkersburg for many years now. Dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of players have competed in his league throughout the years. Each one for the love of the game of football and for bragging rights, if you will.
Ben French grew up in the Mid Ohio Valley. He played football for Belpre High School in the early 1990’s, and graduated from there as a member of the Class of 1993. “I have lived in the Mid Ohio Valley for most of my life. I try to be good to everyone and I am passionate about the game of football, and I also love history.” French says, “I have always loved football. I have been a devout Cincinnati Bengals fan since 1981 and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish since 1988. I love organizing things, keeping statistics, and making schedules. It is a hobby of mine I greatly enjoy.”
A League of His Own
A hobby that is loved by all of the current and former players. Mr. French not only is the Commissioner of the league, but he also officiates every single game as well as sets up and tears down the field before and after each game. Ben does all this while keeping statistics of every team and player, and posts them to a Facebook page dedicated to the football league. It's a lot of work for one man to do just for the love of the game and community.
French says he doesn’t mind in the least devoting so much of his personal time to the community through the football league. “The league has allowed me to be in contact with other gentlemen who love the sport. It's my own unique way for me to give back to the community that has always been good to me in many ways,” he says. When asked what impact his league has helped with the most in the community, Ben said “It helps in many aspects. It allows these men to release aggression in a safe, healthy environment. I also believe that it steers them away from doing drugs and other harmful activities.”
On Sunday afternoons, which is when the games are typically held, you can find people from all walks of life playing in Ben’s league. All builds and backgrounds. From experienced football players to guys who have never played the sport. There is no discrimination in this league whatsoever, everyone is welcome to participate.
I myself as well as my co-Founder of MOV NEWS NOW, Jordan Spriggs, are both veterans of Ben’s leagues. Speaking from both of our personal perspectives, you probably won’t find a more humble and warm, friendly individual in the Mid Ohio Valley. Ben gives everyone a chance and would help anyone in need that he could. Its the personal sacrifices of outstanding citizens like Ben French that make a positive impact in our community, by helping young people that may not be given that opportunity elsewhere. Ben is here to provide that opportunity, hopefully for years to come.
If you or someone you know would like to get involved with the football league you may reach out to Ben French on Facebook.
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