The weather has turned warmer in Tennessee, which is the first sign that it’s time to get ready for some football. Yes — football! July marks the unofficial start of football season nationwide for players of all ages, sizes and abilities. Locally, the Brentwood Blaze is accepting registrations and gearing-up to return to Crockett Park for the 2016 fall season.
The Brentwood Blaze offers Flag Football for ages four and five; Tackle Football for ages five through 12, and Cheer for ages four and up. Registration will remain open through the first day of practice and evaluations, which is July 18 for Tackle Football and Aug. 8 for Flag Football.
To register your child for the Brentwood Blaze’s football or cheer programs, click here now.
Kids who are eight years of age and younger are highly encouraged to begin playing football now in order to establish a solid foundation when important fundamentals of the game can be learned, and then further developed in years to come. The Blaze also emphasizes safety, teamwork and good sportsmanship as part of its program.
Former Tennessee Titan, Leroy Harris, volunteers as Blaze coach. As you can see in the above video, he and and his wife, Christina believe playing youth football is advantageous for their son and other kids who play the sport.
Selected in the fourth round of the 2007 draft by the Titans, the N.C. State offensive linemen spent six seasons with the Titans, playing left guard and right tackle. In 2011, Harris started all 16 games at left guard, and was part of an offensive unit that allowed just 24 sacks all season, which tied for the second lowest in the National Football League. Playing against Denver, he and his offensive line provided Matt Hasselback with the time to throw for 311 yards that same year.
Although practice begins next month, the Brentwood Blaze coaches have been preparing for some time now — completing the many requirements necessary for them to be eligible to coach a team in this popular youth organization, which has become increasingly dedicated to a “safety first” mantra.
Blaze head coaches must go through training and certification to ensure they’re properly educated and qualified to coach youth football. “They have to attend one or more coaching clinics, complete online certification and then continuing education annually,” says Brentwood Blaze Athletic Director, Rick Erickson. Coaches must pass an annual background check as well.
Each head coach must also complete approximately four hours of online certification through USA Football’s Heads-Up program, a national initiative which partners with the NFL to make youth and high school football better and safer. The curriculum addresses topics such as, concussion awareness, proper equipment fitting, proper tackling and blocking techniques, and heat preparedness and hydration.
“We spend a lot of time teaching about the proper fundamentals and making sure the boys are having fun,” adds Erickson.
To register your child for the Brentwood Blaze’s football or cheer programs, click here now.
On the first day of practice, players need to arrive wearing t-shirts, shorts and cleats.