The Raider Football Reading Buddies Program will start up shortly for 2018. See Coach Smith to sign up.

This is a writeup from last year --

03/14/2017 -- Now in its third year, the Raider Football reading program is underway at Ocean City Primary School.

"We are a month into the reading program and I'm really pleased with the progress," said Head Coach Kevin Smith. "We have about 25 guys paired up with second grade students and they are working their way through chapter books.  The kids get so excited when our players come in the room.  It's really cool to see."

"And many of our guys, to their credit, are great instructors.  They are patient and they interact with the kids really well.  It's a pleasure to watch everyone work together."

The football players are working with Ms. Jen Ferrier's second grade students at the primary school. Reading materials, at present, include the Magic Tree House series. The players visit Ferrier's classroom every other week from January to June. 

Last year's "High School Buddies" program wrapped up at an Ocean City Free Public Library event, where the second graders -- assisted by their football tutors -- read original works for family and friends.  "I am proud of our players who commit their time to this program," said Smith.  "The boys learn as much from the experience as the younger students."