SAFL

05-10-2017

Johansen named youth football coach
Sandpoint Affordable Football League

Sandpoint Affordable Football League coach Andre Johansen SANDPOINT--Sandpoint's newest youth football program, Sandpoint Affordable Football League, acquired Andre Johansen, a veteran high school varsity coach, as well as a former director of youth football programs to be their new Director of Coaching.

"We are excited to have Andre come aboard the SAFL, we are confident that he will prepare our coaches, put the kids first and serve our community very well" said Mose Dunkel, president of SAFL.

Andre, commonly known as Coach Dre, comes to Sandpoint from the highly successful San Joaquin Section in Northern California. Andre has spent the better part of over 25 years coaching high school football and wrestling. Andre understands the need of providing a local youth "feeder" program to the success of the high school. He understands the importance of families having a local connection to the community during their youth football years that created those bonds that go well beyond the high school years. "If kids starting in 3rd/4th grade begin to learn the high school plays, terminology, and timing by the time they enter as freshman they already speak the language," said Johansen. As well as a local program offers the opportunity for the players to play against league opponents for years building heathy rivalries that benefit both communities. No out of state travel means that pre/post game connections event spend their money within the local community. In this case with SAFL 5 home games in Sandpoint, plus a 12 team Jamboree.

His tenure as varsity head coach at Christian Brothers High School included founding a youth program over a decade later it is still running strong. While at Capital Christian High School serving as Asst. Athletic Director, Asst. Head Coach & Defensive Coordinator, he led as Director of Football for the youth program which grew from 75 players to over 150 in less than 3 years.  Andre has been blessed to coach many athletes who have gone to play both at the collegiate level as well as the NFL.

Andre is married, with 3 children, two of which attend Sandpoint schools are involved in Sandpoint athletics. He retired from high school athletics to have the opportunity to watch/coach the two younger kids in their academic/athletics events.

One June 2-3, Coach Dre along with former Cal and PLU coaches with players from WSU and Montana Tech will be hosting a development camp for kids in 3rd-8th grade at Sandpoint Middle School. For more information or to meet Andre, please visit the SAFL Booth at Lost in the '50s or visit the SAFL website at AffordableFootball.com/contactus.

Pictured at right: Coach Johansen with son Lucas and former player Corey Crowder, who played at Portland State and NFL Europe League.