FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Sept. 24, 2015) -- The next NFL star may be in your midst. Youths between ages 6 and 15 tested their mettle against their peers during the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition Sept. 18 at Fort Drum.
NFL Punt, Pass and Kick is part of the NFL Play 60, a campaign to encourage 60 minutes of activity a day. The website, www.nflppk.com, describes the event as a chance to "experience the fun of learning football fundamentals in an engaging and supportive non-contact environment."
"The kids get excited, and the parents do too," said Mckenizie Tehonica, a Child, Youth and School Services sports program employee. "We had 16 girls sign up, so I'm pretty excited about that."
Jon Burnard, sports fitness director at CYS Services, said 75 children preregistered, but registration also was available at the event.
"This is a great opportunity for kids on Fort Drum and local," Burnard said. "The next-closest place to compete is Canton."
Burnard said this was the third year they have held the event, and each year they get more participation. CYS held the event after football practice, but Burnard said they plan to schedule it on a Saturday next year.
"We want to get the high school kids involved too, but it conflicts with the football game on Friday," he said.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ryan Ward, a parent and local wrestling coach, brought his son to compete, but he was there to cheer on his wrestlers who also were there to compete.
"This is a great opportunity for these kids to learn fundamentals and techniques and burn a little energy off in the process," Ward said.
The kids who punted, passed and kicked the greatest distance most accurately, in their respective age group, will now move on to compete in the sectionals at Syracuse. If they win there, the next step is competing during halftime at a Buffalo Bills game.
So stay alert for flying footballs. These kids are training for the big leagues!
Related Links:
Fort Drum Child, Youth and School Services
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