craigdailypress.com

For athletic youths who can't wait to get on the field to knock helmets, Doak Walker Football is just what they need.

Through school teams, youths must wait until seventh grade before they can join a football team.

For the younger crowd, boys and girls in grades third through sixth, Doak Walker football has provided the opportunity for them to play earlier, and for more than 10 years.

"It really just gives the kids a chance to play before they get to middle school," said Pam Maneotis, recreation coordinator for Parks and Recreation, which organizes the league.

Registration for the league ends at 5 p.m. today. To register, call Parks and Recreation at 826-2029. A $50 registration fee covers all equipment needed.

Parents must submit a medical consent waiver to Parks and Recreation.

Kip Hafey, Moffat County High School varsity head coach, said his son, Kaden Hafey, 9, will be playing for the second year this season as a fourth grader.

Steve Hafey, Kip's father, also gets involved as a volunteer coach.

"We've always loved the game," Kip said. "For my son, he's just been around it so much that he just really enjoys it, too."

Both Kip and Steve have experience playing and coaching football, but Kip said that he prefers to go to the games just to watch his son having fun and learning valuable lessons.

"I think it's a great thing -they get to go out in the summer and learn about sportsmanship, work ethic, and how to deal with success and defeat," Kip said. "The lessons go on and on."

After registration closes, teams will be formed and the schedule will be put together.

Youths are divided into two divisions - third and fourth graders, and fifth and sixth graders.

Usually, there are enough kids from Craig for about four or five teams in each division.

Maneotis said she expects the same this year.

"It's probably going to be just about the same this year," she said.

The season runs from August through October, with teams practicing or playing three times a week.

Maneotis said that while there are playoff games at the end of the season, there is no real league championship.

It's just for the fun of the game.

"Last year, we had some more games, but it was just so the kids could play some more games before the end of the season," Maneotis said.

Currently, Maneotis said volunteer coaches and referees are still needed, and she encourages anyone interested to volunteer. No experience is needed, and there will be some training provided.

Coaches will be required to take an online National Alliance for Youth Sports coaches clinic.

There will be a mandatory skills day at 3:30 p.m. July 27 at Woodbury Sports Complex.

Equipment check-out will start at 6 p.m. Aug. 5 at Craig City Hall, 300 W. Fourth St.

Yesenia Robles can be reached at 875-1790.