Are you ready for some football? July marks the unofficial start of football season for players of all ages, sizes and abilities nationwide. Locally, players from the Brentwood Blaze are getting ready to return to their home field at Crockett Park in preparation for the Blaze’s 2016 season. Registration is currently open and will remain so through the first day of practice and evaluations, which is Mon., July 18.
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.
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.
“We spend a lot of time teaching about the proper fundamentals and making sure the boys are having fun,” says Rick Erickson, Brentwood Blaze athletic director.
Watch the video above to hear what local mom’s have to say about their children’s experiences with the Brentwood Blaze program.
As part of its “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.
To register your child for the Brentwood Blaze, click here now. On the first day of practice, July 18, players must arrive wearing t-shirts, shorts and cleats.
