welcome
class of 2029
independence freshman football
Welcome to the team, Freshman families! We’re so excited to kick off this season with you. Whether your son is brand new to football or already obsessed with the game, we’re here to make sure his first season at Independence starts strong, feels supported, and sets the tone for everything ahead.
Below you’ll find everything you need to get prepped, show up confidently, and know exactly what to expect. This isn’t just about football. It’s about character, commitment, and community.
Let’s make this season one to remember!
Enrollment & Tryouts
No tryouts. No stress. Everyone is welcome. If your player is ready to work hard, show up for the team, and bring a positive attitude, he’s in. Simply register your son via Final Forms.
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here's what you need to know
Communication Expectations
Independence football is about more than just building athletes. It's about building leaders. This is often the first time many players are expected to communicate directly with a coach, and that’s by design.
Players are responsible for letting Coach know if they’ll be missing a practice, out of town, running late, or dealing with anything that affects participation.
Encourage your son to be the one sending that message. It builds confidence, clarity, and character (and keeps Coach from juggling 30 different parent texts 😅).
That said, if you as a parent ever have a specific concern, you're always welcome to reach out directly.
Coach Chad Gates
📧 ChadG@wcs.edu
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All team communication from coaches come through the Ballfrog App—don’t skip this! Both parents and players should download this app to stay connected. This ensures you get all updates, reminders, and last-minute changes straight from Coach.
To get set up:
To get set up:
- Scan the QR code and download the Ballfrog app.
- Enter your phone number (you’ll get a 4-digit code)
- Enable push notifications.
- Fill in your info (name, email, address).
- Under Teams, tap the bell icon to turn off sports you don’t need.
- Select Football, tap the comments icon, and request access as “Parent.”
🚨 important 🚨
download the bullfrog app
PRACTICE PREPARATION
📍 Location: Independence High School Football Field
🕒 Time: Practice schedule will be shared directly with players and families from Coach via Bullfrog (instructions above).
Freshmen should meet outside the Freshman Locker Room. Arrive early, stay focused, bring the right gear:
Where is the Freshman Locker Room?
🕒 Time: Practice schedule will be shared directly with players and families from Coach via Bullfrog (instructions above).
Freshmen should meet outside the Freshman Locker Room. Arrive early, stay focused, bring the right gear:
- Athletic shoes & cleats
- Water bottle (labeled!)
- Navy shorts and shirt
- Combination lock for locker
Where is the Freshman Locker Room?
- You'll turn onto Declaration Way and continue as it wraps around the back of the school
- As you do that, you'll see the football field on your right, and the school on your left
- You'll eventually come to a little intersection with a crosswalk, and you'll notice a rock to your right
- If you look to your left, you'll see a brick wall that comes out from the school - that's the locker room area. The freshman locker room is the last door on the left.
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Team Gear
Team gear is available through the Mathews Team Sports Store twice a year. If you haven’t ordered yet, no worries—just stick to a navy or gray shirt and navy shorts until the next order cycle opens.
Gear Includes:
Be sure you are signed up for our email list HERE to get notified when the store opens and closes for each season’s gear drop.
Gear Includes:
- Navy team shirts
- Workout shorts
- Optional extras (hoodies, socks, etc.)
Be sure you are signed up for our email list HERE to get notified when the store opens and closes for each season’s gear drop.
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Game Schedule
The Freshman team will play on Monday nights. Below is the upcoming season schedule.
