Role model helps youth build character through consistency, discipline

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – ‘‘Tis the season of audibles, blitzes and coaches’ challenges, with college bowl games and professional playoffs sure to leave some in moods nice, and others naughty. Capt. John Bailey, Airborne Electronic Attack Systems and EA-6B (PMA-234) program manager, is one of the many avid football fans; however, his enthusiasm doesn’t stop with cheering from the comforts of an armchair, but moves him from living room to the sideline.

Bailey, or Coach John to the 25 players he mentors on the football field, is the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Patuxent River Raiders, a 14 year old-and-under  Southern Maryland Youth Athletic Conference football team located in the heart of St. Mary’s county. He’s coached for the organization since 2008, training students between the ages of 9 to 14 during his tenure.

A former high school wide receiver himself and longtime fan, Bailey initially went back to the sport because of his sons’ involvement.

“My sons brought me back to the football field as a spectator,” said Bailey. “By the next year, I was part of the coaching team.  I went from having two boys  to 25 in a matter of a season, and on my team, I treat each one as my own. When you practice together two hours a day, four days a week for several months, you become attached to the families, getting to know their joys and personal struggles.”

His passion for coaching stems from wanting to give back to St. Mary’s county youth. He said outside of football tactics and strategy, he teaches the analogy of football mirroring life … when you get knocked down, you pick yourself up and keep going.

“Mentoring youth is about building character through consistency and discipline, two attributes some rarely witness,” Bailey said. “Football offers a fantastic arena to emphasize teamwork, mental and physical toughness and goal setting.  In a world filled with self-fulfillment and instant gratification, our coaching staff encourages players to work together toward a common goal and to strive for success.”

“Capt. Bailey is a coach that players from all teams look to as a role model,” said Lindy McHone, PMA-234 Next Generation Jammer Foreign Military Sales lead and football mom. “He teaches the importance of teamwork on and off the field. He ensures players can always talk to him about whatever their concerns are, whether at home, school or on the field. He instills relevance through developing personal relationships.”

Several of Bailey’s former students have received scholarships to play football in college. He attributes this to the staff’s hands-on methodology.

To learn more about Southern Maryland Youth Athletic Conference football, visit them online at http://smyac.com/.