The first day of school is now just around the corner, and the fall football season is about to begin. The Port Washington Youth Activities’ (PYA) football programs have also kick-started their fall registration process for the upcoming year.
PYA football programs will begin Sept. 13.
PYA hosts its tackle football and flag football programs at Lion’s Field on Glen Lane in Port Washington. The programs are open to Port Washington residents as well as those from Manhasset.
PYA’s flag football programs range from grades 2 to 5 while the senior tackle football program caters to grades 5 and 6.
The organization looks to grow its tackle program and help the youth of Port Washington and Manhasset prepare for the middle school football level of play. At this age, they learn how to properly tackle and understand the fundamentals and mechanics of the game.
“We feel that we have extremely talented players who can hang with any community on Long Island,” said Program Director Brandon Kurz.
Tackle football was always a big draw at PYA, just like its baseball
and basketball programs, where teams in the program competed against one another.
Unfortunately, with the rise of the number of concussions in tackle football, the number of players participating in the sport has declined recently. However, the numbers have increased dramatically in PYA’s flag football program.
“I don’t know if it’s right or wrong, but it’s certainly happening,” said Kurz. “We want to be able to grow with the times.”
PYA’s flag football program is spearheaded by Howie Golan, while Ron Rochester and Wes Rudes helm the tackle football program. All their expertise and contributions to PYA have played a part in the success of both football programs.
While tackle is a contact sport, flag football is geared towards learning the basics. Flag football can be just as exciting, though.
“Flag football is really intense and the kids play hard and have a lot of fun,” said Kurz.
For more information about PYA and how to register for both programs, go to www.pyasports.org.
