GATES, N.Y. \u2014 A free youth football program for kids ages 6 through 8 is gaining momentum at Total Sports Experience in Gates. News10NBC\u2019s Declan Stablow visited the program to speak with parents and coaches about its impact. <\/p>\n
Coach Ty Johnson started the eight-week program on Super Bowl Sunday to prepare kids for tackle football this summer. The program began with about 30 kids and has grown to nearly 70, Johnson said. <\/p>\n
Johnson, who has been coaching youth football since 2019, emphasized the importance of camps like this for player safety. The program includes conditioning drills to prepare players for the summer heat and teaches proper tackling techniques. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not in a rush to get them in the pads. I want them to be 100% safe and confident in themselves that they know what they\u2019re doing,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cMake sure that we have at least three weeks of just proper tackling drills proper technique so that when they do put the pads on, they\u2019re not scared they\u2019re not worried at this age. They know that they\u2019ve been taught the proper fundamentals.\u201d <\/p>\n
Parents and grandparents have praised Johnson for building something special with the program. <\/p>\n
For more information on signing up for the program or making a donation, visit Johnson\u2019s Facebook here to reach out.<\/a><\/p>\n