News Summary

In Kansas City, retired school employee Jimmy Isaacs is initiating a revival of high school football participation by painting goal posts at Southern High and ten other schools. His colorful initiative aims to inspire students and foster teamwork, combating the decline in football involvement. By visually enhancing the fields, Isaacs hopes to attract students and encourage them to embrace school spirit and join football teams. His grassroots effort exemplifies community support and personal commitment, resonating deeply as he gives back to his alma mater.

Kansas City Community Rallies for High School Football Revival

In the heart of Kansas City, a retired school employee is making waves with a charming initiative aimed at revitalizing high school football participation. Meet Jimmy Isaacs, an almost 70-year-old alumnus of Southern High School, who is stepping back into the world of high school sports—but this time, with a paintbrush in hand!

Low Participation Calls for Action

Football has long been a staple in American high schools, but recent years have seen a concerning decline in participation rates. Particularly in Kentucky, high school football involvement dropped by approximately 10% towards the end of the last decade. Isaacs, having witnessed this trend unfold over the years, has decided that enough is enough. He believes in the importance of teamwork and community spirit, and he wants to reignite that love for the game among students.

Bringing Color to the Field

With a practical approach, Isaacs has devised a simple yet effective plan: he will paint the goal posts at Southern High and ten other Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS). But this effort goes beyond mere aesthetics; it symbolizes hope and encouragement for students. He feels that by enhancing the look of the football field, he can draw attention and, ideally, inspire students to don their team colors.

More Than Just Paint

Isaacs isn’t just about putting on a fresh coat of paint. He actively engages in motivating the kids as they pass by. His aim is to show the students that their community cares about them, which he believes can push them towards making the decision to join a team. By making football fields vibrant and welcoming, he hopes to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages kids to try out for the team.

A Personal Touch with a Universal Message

This grass-roots movement seems to resonate deeply, particularly since Isaacs himself graduated from Southern High School back in 1974. It’s all about giving back to the community that shaped him. He understands firsthand the importance of unity and camaraderie that sports can foster among students, and he’s eager to pass on those values to the upcoming generations.

Channeling Inspirational Music

Interestingly, Isaacs finds inspiration in the words of legendary pop icon Michael Jackson. He likens his initiative to the essence of the song “Man in the Mirror,” as he seeks to make a positive change without worrying about how others might perceive his efforts. For him, it’s more about the impact he can have on the youth than any recognition he might receive.

Building Team Spirit and Community

Ultimately, Isaacs believes that motivating children to support their coaches and teams will foster a stronger sense of community and teamwork within the schools. As he paints the goal posts, he infuses them with his hopes for a renewed spirit in high school football. He envisions full stands, where students rally behind their teams cheerfully supporting their peers on the field.

Join the Movement

So, if you’re in Kansas City and find yourself near a high school football field, keep an eye out for those freshly painted goal posts! They represent not just an aesthetic enhancement, but a heartfelt commitment to youth sports. Jimmy Isaacs reminds us all that sometimes, a little effort and creativity can go a long way in building a vibrant community. It’s a reminder that every bit of support matters and that together, we can help our young athletes shine!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

Midfielders and Forwards Dominate High School Soccer 2025
Peanut Butter Bowl Celebrates Tenth Anniversary in 2025
Princeton High School’s Cross Country Teams Inducted into Hall of Fame
Mater Dei Dominates Preseason Power 25 High School Football Rankings
ADM Tigers Secure Victory in State Softball Tournament
Waukee Northwest and Pella Capture State Softball Titles
Tragic Turn of Events in Houston: High School Football Players in Trouble
64-Year-Old Man Arrested for 1984 Cold Case Murder in California
Tragic Loss of Young Athlete in DeKalb County
Tragic Loss in DeKalb: Young Football Player Passes Away

Additional Resources