High schools cancel varsity football citing lack of interest

MANASSAS, Va. — Three high schools in Virginia are canceling varsity football programs, citing a lack of interest.

Media outlets report that Charles City is canceling its entire program and other schools are canceling varsity schedules.

Park View High School in Sterling canceled its varsity schedule after only 18 players reported for tryouts. Manassas Park High School Principal Pamela Kalso told parents Tuesday that they’ll play a junior varsity schedule after practices routinely drew only 15 players.

The Virginia High School League recommends against playing varsity football with fewer than 25 students.

The declines come amid concerns about injuries, rising equipment and participation costs and demographic shifts. The National Federation of State High School Associations says high school football enrollment dropped 4.5 percent nationwide from 2006 to 2016.