DEMOPOLIS &8212; When head football coach and athletic director Tom Causey arrived at Demopolis High School

last spring he brought with him at theory of how a football booster club should operate.

Causey&8217;s theory was that a booster club is a support system for teams in a school system &8212; they operate to provide teams with anything needed not covered by funds given through normal channels &8212; and they encompass individuals from the entire community, not just families of players.

Freeman said that number actually puts the club over the mark it set for itself for membership this year, as the average U.S. family consists of two and a half members. He said, however, the group is now hoping to build an even bigger member-base, since its goal is surpassed.

The group is also focusing on its main purpose now that leadership and members are in place &8212; raising money to help provide for the middle school and high school teams in the Demopolis School System.

Freeman said the trail ride has the potential of being one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the group. Along with the expected 100-150 riders in the morning, Freeman said the club is also preparing for approximately 300 people, including riders, campers and area residents, to eat at the dinner, which will have entertainment and members of the football team present.

Another first-year event that could experience growing pains is the rodeo the club is looking to host in the fall. Freeman said the group is looking for a site at which to hold the event right now.

Freeman said the rodeo and horse ride are some of the more ambitious events being hosted by the fledgling club, noting several other lower-key fundraisers the group is in the process of doing to organizing. He said along with raising money the group is working to make the football team more accessible to the community through events like the Thursday night church dinners and a drawing for a free football ticket at U.S. Jones Elementary.