Eagles begin 5th year of youth program

The Baltimore Washington Eagles begins its 5th season of USFooty's Saturday Morning Footy program on Saturday June 19. The youth footy program based on the AFL Auskick program began in Arlington in 2006 with 2 sessions and 22 participants. In 2009 it had grown to 5 sessions with 41 participants. So far this year, 49 kids have registered online to participate in the program, making 2010 the biggest year yet.

In 2010, the program will be coached by Eagles coaching staff, Denis Ryan and Paul Reddacliff, along with elementary school PE teacher and Revo winger, Jay Levesque. Ryan, Reddacliff and Levesque bring a huge amount of experience and knowledge to the program. All of have many years running Auskick and USFooty Kids clinics. These three will be assisted by Eagles players and parents, a number of whom recently completed the AFL's online coaching course. The program actively encourages parents to participate and learn the game with their kids.

In 2010, the Eagles hope to have a 3 team introductory house league for players 9 to 15. This will complement the Auskick style clinic program that will run for the 5 to 9 age group. The program aims to encourage all kids to participate and works to teach the skills and rules of Australian football through games and activities that are both fun and safe.

Each session runs from 9.00am to 10.30am at Bluemont Park (Arlington VA). The five sessions end July 24, after taking a break for Independence Day.

For more information visit www.usfootynews.com