BEFORE THE FIELD

GOES DARK

In many small towns and rural communities across Canada, high school football is disappearing.

The decline is not limited to rural Canada. In numerous urban centres, high school football leagues have experienced significant reductions in the number of teams, with schools increasingly combining junior and senior programs into a single varsity team. Yet much of this change goes unnoticed. Many people assume their school’s football program is much the same as it was when they were students.

But that is no longer the reality in many communities.

At the same time, there are places across Canada, both large and small, where high school football is thriving. What accounts for this striking difference? Why are some communities struggling to keep football alive while others continue to build successful programs? And, most importantly, can the lessons from those successes be applied elsewhere?

Before the Field Goes Dark takes an unprecedented look at the state of high school football in every province and territory across Canada. Drawing on in-depth interviews with coaches, administrators, educators, and other football leaders from coast to coast to coast, Terry Edwards examines the challenges facing Canadian high school football, as well as the opportunities that could shape its future.

Before the Field Goes Dark is a journey into the present state—and possible future—of Canadian high school football.

To purchase a copy of Before the Field Goes Dark, please click here.

INVISIBLE LOCKET

Throughout our lifetime, we will experience loss and a sense of grief. While this can be overwhelming for anyone, it can be particularly difficult for children. Whether it relates to the death of a loved one, the loss of a pet, dealing with a serious illness, a friend moving away, a military parent on deployment, or other difficult circumstances, children need our support.

Children are naturally inquisitive, but that doesn’t mean that they are always willing to talk, particularly when the subject matter is difficult or potentially painful. How do we start the conversation and keep it going?

My Invisible Locket is an illustrated children’s book designed to initiate and direct conversations between caring adults and children, on the topics of grief and/or loss. It sends a message to children that it is natural to experience grief, but it is important to talk about it, rather than keeping their emotions bottled up inside.

My Invisible Locket was born from a dream. After waking up in the middle of the night, the author could vividly recall every detail. Rather than going back to sleep, he rushed to the computer before the memories faded. The dream he had that night is the book before you.

To purchase a copy of My Invisible Locket, please click here.

About The Author

With more than 40 years of experience as a football player and coach, Terry offers a candid examination of where high school football stands—and where it may be headed. Why is it disappearing from parts of the Canadian landscape? Why are other communities finding ways to make it work? And what can be done to turn the tide? Before the Field Goes Dark outlines the challenges, the opportunities, and the inspiring stories that mean so much to everyone who has been part of the game.

As a husband, a parent of three boys, and an educator for over thirty years, Terry has seen first-hand the tremendous impact that grief can have on a child. He believes that My Invisible Locket will benefit children in grief, and help to form stronger bonds between kids and the caring adults in their lives.

Terry is a firm believer in life-long learning. When the opportunity to become an author presented itself during retirement, he seized it. Never say never, and always remain open to new experiences!

Contact Us

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