FRANKLIN — Franklin High School Head Football Coach Darren Parker recently attended the prestigious Washington Redskins Forum in Ashburn.

In conjunction with USA Football, the Redskins hosted a forum to discuss concussion awareness and education among high school athletes. Parker said this is an important issue that has gained a great deal of attention this past year.

This forum allowed him to gain more insight on preventions, symptoms and treatments for concussions.

Afterward, Parker and other coaches participated in a question-and-answer session led by Dr. Peter Gonzalez, assistant professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Coaches also attended a closed practice with the Redskins. It gave coaches the chance to observe techniques used by professional athletes and coaches with offense, defense and special teams.

Parker said he was honored to meet and talk with Redskins General Manager Bruce Allen and Head Coach Mike Shanahan.