For Clanton youth football players, Thursday’s practice might have been a glimpse into their future.

The Chilton County High coaching staff and several players worked with more than 100 younger Tigers in an effort to motivate and teach some of the principles they will use no matter how long their football career lasts.

“They’re so excited because, in the past, we hadn’t had a lot of interaction with the high school team,” said Jason Coats, president of Clanton Tiger Orange, one of two organizations of youth football that was represented at city park.

Players were split into position groups and received instruction from a CCHS coach and players.

“You hope that you can reach back and, if not have everything identical, at least you’re working toward the same goal,” CCHS head coach Brian Carter said.

Clanton Tiger Blue president Mike Smitherman said the experience will benefit both players and youth coaches.

“Some of the things [the high school coaches] tell them, we can look at them at the next practice and say, ‘See, I told you.’”