Starting in the fall, Jamestown is bringing back its modified football progam.

The Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education approved the measure Tuesday.

With the return of the program, the school board has approved three separate 7th and 8th grade combined teams at Jefferson Middle School, Persell Middle School, and Washington Middle School, restoring the middle school teams that existed up until 2009. Jamestown students interested in playing football between the ages 8-11 (grades 3-6) will continue to be able to participate in the junior varsity and varsity levels of the Jamestown Area Midget Football League with flag football being available to 6- and 7-year-olds.

“I appreciate the board’s approval and Dr. Whitaker’s support. This is going to be a much better experience for our seventh and eighth graders. The Persell Knights, The Washington Lobos, and the Jefferson Jaguars middle school football teams are going to be renewed,” Jamestown High School Varsity Head Coach Tom Langworthy said.

Both Langorthy and JPS Athletic Director Ben Drake said that the modified program will enhance the development of the student-athletes by adding more games to the modified schedule, and adding new opponents not available in the current youth football model.

The program approval was made in collaboration with the JAMFL leadership.

“The JAMFL board is pleased to support the return of modified football to the Jamestown Public Schools,” said JAMFL Commissioner Bob Whitney in a prepared statement. “We appreciate the collaboration with the district to provide seventh and eighth grade athletes additional competitive opportunities under the JPS modified program, and look forward to a continued partnership as we work to develop quality football players here in Jamestown.”

The school board also approved the costs associated with the program with three new head coaching positions at $3,035 each; three assistant coaching positions at $2,076 each; equipment, supplies and uniforms totaling $73,826.33, and game staff and officials totaling $6,906 per year including 12 home games. The transportation details will be determined, but include 12 away trips in total.

“I am really glad to see that we could have a feeder program for the Jamestown High School football team. I know Mr. Langworthy will work with the coaches. They (athletes) will have similar-type plays and understand the process once they get to the high school, if they continue to want to play. This is a great opportunity for the students, and I am really thrilled to see that we are looking at this,” said board member John Panebianco.

More information will be provided as details are finalized, the board said.