The youth football season snapped into full swing Saturday as hundreds of third-grade players descended upon East Ridge Middle School in Ridgefield for the Fairfield County Youth Football League tackle jamboree. For many of the young players it was their first time in a real game situation with pads, referees, and full tackles. Many nervous, but excited parents lined the field to watch their sons from Darien, Fairfield, New Canaan, Westport, Wilton, and Ridgefield apply on the gridiron what they have learned in practices.
"I'm a little nervous, but he's so excited I put that all aside," said Christine Hopkinson of Fairfield, whose son was playing tackle football for the first time. "I can tell from practice that the kids are learning the basics of the game. Everyone seems really excited for the season to start."
Coaches and parents alike made sure to emphasize safety and fun for the 8- and 9-year-old players. Referees added their own instruction to the kids, giving pointers on how to line up before a play begins and teaching the basics about penalties. It was the first time the teams had to execute the many plays they had memorized over the past two weeks, but bumps in the road were common, along with the smiles on coaches' faces.
"It's really a lot of fun. The kids are so enthusiastic and it's really a good time," Fairfield coach Rich Walsh said. "This league is great. It's very organized and the kids are well-behaved and respectful."
Overall the day's scrimmages were not so much about winning as they were about kids taking their first steps to becoming better players. Fairfield youth football begins the regular season on Sept. 4.
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