Politicians cite lack of money as reason for decision

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (WMC) – Friday night is over for two schools in Memphis.

Freedom Prep officials have just announced that they are ending their football programs at their middle and high school.

The school has a fairly new soccer program, the inaugural season was 2017.

According to a May 22 letter to parents, school officials decided to discontinue the program at both the middle and high schools to maintain financial stability and “ensure equitable distribution of resources across all programs – athletics, arts and academics.”

“It's sad that they're taking this program away from them,” said Tierra Malone, whose son played for the middle school.

“Yesterday they practiced. If you knew you were going to do this, why were our guys practicing? They live for this. This is all they talk about on social media. They talk on the phone. Football is something some of these guys have all,” Malone said.

Freedom Prep officials say numerous sports will continue at the school, including baseball, soccer, volleyball, rugby, golf and track and field.

Regarding their football program, school leaders announced in a letter to parents that they will be entering into a cooperative program with another local school.

It was not said which one.

A Freedom Prep spokesperson sent us this statement late Thursday afternoon:

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