Terrance Copper has made a living playing what for most of us is simply a game. He plays it on the highest level, against some of the world’s most elite athletes.

With 10 seasons in the National Football League, his professional career has lasted far beyond the league average.

The Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver traces his roots all the way back to Washington, N.C. It’s a place he still calls home. Long before he started suiting up on Sunday afternoons, Copper was lining up with the Washington rec league at Kugler Field; later, on Friday nights for the Washington Pam Pack.

Copper has been a valuable ambassador for his hometown, regularly donating his time and money to support local youth programs. He stands as a reminder that kids can achieve their dreams, even against incredible odds. Less than half a percent of high school football players will ever make an NFL roster.

Most of the kids in the Washington Youth Football League will never play beyond the high school level. But many will carry experiences at Kugler Field with them for the rest of their lives. It’s not uncommon to hear men from many different professions cite football as one of the influences that helped shape them in adolescence.

There’s still time to sign up for participation in the upcoming season.

The Washington Youth Football League will hold a final open registration period today at Kugler Field from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for children ages 5-12. Bring a copy of the child’s birth certificate and a registration fee of $30 for flag football (5-6) and $45 for tackle football (7-8, 9-10 and 11-12).

Player evaluations will be held Saturday, Aug. 3 at Eastern Elementary School from 9-9:45 a.m. for ages 5-6, from 9:45-10:30 a.m. for ages 7-8, from 10:30-11:15 a.m. for ages 9-10, and from 11:15 to noon for ages 11-12.

For more information, contact Ray Pippin at 940-8717 or Keith Mitchell at 341-8822.

 

Ashley Vansant is publisher of the Washington Daily News. He can be reached at ashley.vansant@thewashingtondailynews.com or 252-946-2144, ext. 224.