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The youth football season went into full swing on 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.
"It's all about learning the fundamentalsblocking and tackling," New Canaan coach Dennis LaPolice said. "With some of the issues around tackling, we want to train these boys to tackle right. I think so far they're off to a good start."
Coaches and parents alike made sure to emphasize safety and fun for the eight and nine year old players. Referees added their own instruction to the kids, giving pointers on how to line up before a play began 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.
"To watch the kids' smiles and getting them out here for the first time, they're having the time of their life," LaPolice said. "I think the coaches are having a great time as well. I think today was a good first experience and we want to build on that. We win if they want to come back next year."
Overall the day's scrimmages were not so much about winning, but the kids taking their first steps to becoming better football players. New Canaan youth football begins their regular season on Sept. 4.
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