MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – A familiar partnership is returning to Montgomery middle schools.

The city of Montgomery and Montgomery Public Schools have entered into agreement that is expected to bring middle school sports to the next level.

Under the agreement, the city of Montgomery will give $100,000 a year to help purchase equipment and provide stipends to coaches.

Montgomery City Council President Cornelius “CC” Calhoun said the agreement has been in the works for at least five years.

“We got to invest in our kids, our youth, and if we have to do it through schools, that’s a place that we know we can reach them,” Calhoun said.

Montgomery Public Schools athletic director Gregory Ruffin said the partnership will have a large impact on youth, adding it will give them motivation to stay in school and keep their grades up.

“I played college football, college baseball. It kept me there. It kept me interested because I needed to be well-versed academically to be able to play sports,” Ruffin said.

Ruffin added youth being involved with sports is also linked to personal development, saying that “the thrill of victory” and “the agony of defeat” can teach them lessons that should lead to more successful, well-rounded students.

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