The Manteca Jaguars youth football and cheer program will give five scholarships to eighth-grade varsity players for the 2009 season.

Parents and staff made the decision in reaction to similar offers by a rival youth program, the Manteca Chargers, according to Jaguars varsity head coach Jason Muschott.

“We have players come to us wondering why we don’t allow players to play for free, because the Chargers do it,” Muschott said. “We decided that we can allow five players to play for free to get more kids involved at the varsity level.”

Muschott said the rookie, pee wee and junior varsity programs have little trouble with participation and usually stock up at 30 players per team. His varsity squad sees only 20 participants throughout the year.

For information: 679-0834.