The Eastman Raiders Football Club is inviting families to the field to learn more about the sport and ease concerns parents may through a free “Come Try Football” event.
Club President Tim Malyk says the event was created after the organization received growing interest from families wanting to learn more about the game before committing.
“There's still a lot of apprehension out there from a lot of parents with football with the misunderstanding that it's a dangerous sport. With all the new training, equipment, et cetera, it's very safe. Injuries are very uncommon.”
Giving families a chance to experience football
Malyk says the event is designed to give both parents and children a hands-on introduction to the sport. Participants will have the opportunity to try on equipment, throw footballs, and test out tackling drills using dummies.
“Honestly, it probably is more for the parents because those are the ones making the decision whether or not to sign them up.”
Malyk says he encourages parents to register their children for football because it is a strong team-oriented sport where every player has a meaningful role on the field.
“It also allows various different shapes, sizes, and abilities of athletes to all have a place on the field. I know a lot of sports, if you're on the larger side like me, there might not be a spot for you. Football, well, that's perfect. If you're a small, quick kid who maybe is a little daunted by some of the larger ones, well, we've got a place for you too.”
According to Malyk, football can also have a positive impact off the field, especially for children who struggle with anxiety.
“This has been really good for developing their self-esteem and their confidence and making lifelong friends.”
He adds that the sport teaches valuable life skills, including how to handle challenges and conflict.
“There are times in any sport where maybe you don't agree with something, or you feel like you're being challenged beyond what your means are. We're there to guide you and to guide the kids and to help everyone, deal with those issues and understand that sometimes there's good days, sometimes there's bad days, you win some, you lose some. There's more than enough benefits to football to make it worthwhile.”
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Addressing safety concerns
Malyk says many parents hesitate to let their children play football because they view it as dangerous, but he believes that perception is inaccurate.
“Our primary focus is kids' safety. Our coaches all take a number of safety courses, how to teach kids how to tackle safely, and how to prevent injuries. Then we have certified trainers on every one of our teams that are there in the event that there's a bump, a bruise or a sprained ankle.”
Event details
The Come Try Football event takes place Saturday, May 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. at A.D. Penner Park.
“There's no cost. Bring some running shoes, dress for the weather, bring some water. You don't have to be there the whole time. Two hours is a long time to be running drills, but we're going to have a few stations set up where you can try things out, come and go when you feel like you want to.”
Malyk says he will also be available during the event to answer questions and assist families with registration if they decide to sign their child up.
Lastly, he says the event is open to anyone interested in learning more about the sport, even if they only want to watch.
“There's no pressure to participate more than you want to. It's just there to be a fun time and to showcase this unique sport. There's nothing else quite like football.”
More information about the league and teams can be found on the Eastman Raiders website and Facebook page.
With files from Carly Koop
