HOULTON, Maine — Although there are mountains of snow covering athletic fields, youngsters in southern Aroostook County have been able to try their hand at the sport of football thanks to the Houlton Football Association.
The non-contact clinic is open to players in grades 1-8 of all abilities and interest levels, with a focus on skills and football fun, according to Brian Reynolds, varsity head coach for the Houlton football program.
“We are really just trying to lay the foundation for the sport of football,” Reynolds said. “There is a lot of skillwork and development going on. We tailor each session to the level of ability.”
Youths in grades 1-4 were placed in the first session, while those in grades 5-8 participate in a separate session.
“The goal is to teach the children the importance of laying the foundation for the sport, should they wish to continue,” Reynolds said.
The clinic taught fundamentals such as moves, positions and techniques, while doing so in a fun environment. Reynolds said he hopes to continue the clinics this summer, with possibly having a flag-football event.
The clinic concludes Saturday, March 23.
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- Garrison Albert flips a football during one of the many drills youths were put through Saturday at Houlton Middle-High School. (Joseph Cyr)
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- Dan Soucy teaches proper defensive techniques to a group of children Saturday at the Houlton Football Association’s indoor camp at Houlton Middle-High School. (Joseph Cyr)
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- Youngsters raise their arms to break from a team huddle during Saturday morning’s indoor football camp put on by the Houlton Football Association. (Joseph Cyr)
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- Reagan Connelly runs with the football while being chased by two defenders during a Saturday session as part of the Houlton Football Association’s indoor camp at Houlton Middle-High School. (Joseph Cyr)
