The West Milford Midget Football Association (WMMFA) is winding down registrations for the 2019 fall season with a Meet and Greet Open House on Thursday evening, June 13 at the West Milford Township Library, according to a press release from the organization.
Anybody registered or considering registration for flag or tackle football should plan to attend, from 6-8 p.m., to learn more about the youth football program’s exciting changes.
According to the release, the Open House will provide an opportunity to meet the coaches, learn about the increased emphasis on safety, understand the opportunities available for all ability levels and hear about the new practice and training initiatives being deployed.
WMMFA Board members and coaches for both the flag and tackle football programs will be on hand to answer questions and share the goals of the program while guests can enjoy pizza, refreshments and giveaways.
“The WMMFA Executive Board has undertaken strong initiatives to align our tackle football program with a new league (North Bergen Junior Football League) that has proven to be a great fit for the values we are trying to develop,” WMMFA President Chris Garcia said in a press release. “An emphasis on fair play, sportsmanship and competitive balance along with outlets being made available for a broad range of skill levels has allowed us to provide a safe and inclusive experience in training our youth in the fundamentals of football and teamwork.”
WMMFA’s Football Director, Stephen Maslanek, who also serves as the head coach of the High School football program, has been instrumental in bringing a renewed emphasis on building a culture of safety and consistent instruction across all levels, according to the release.
“Creating practice plans and investing in equipment and safety gear that allows us to provide quality instruction without having to rely on high-impact training methods will make the practice experience more enjoyable and more productive,” Coach Maslanek said. “Just one example is our investment in Guardian Cap softshell helmet covers that will greatly reduce the level of impact experienced by our kindergarten through second graders.”
After spearheading the launch of the flag football program last year, Flag Football Director Doug Naccara is looking forward to even more growth and participation in the flag football experience.
“We had a great turnout for a new program last season and it was a great learning experience for everyone,” Naccara said. “With even more emphasis on the gameday experience this year, we are excited to share a great introduction to football with the children.”
In addition to announcing the meet and greet event, WMMFA is proud to announce the head coaches for the 2019 tackle football season: Tom Kelshaw, Mighty Mites (K-2nd grade); Matt LaNeve, Peewees (3rd and 4th grade); Mark Sprague, Juniors (5th and 6th grade) and Dan Platt, Seniors (7th and 8th grade), the release said.
According to the release, tackle football registrations have been extended, without a late fee, until June 16, and can be done online at www.WMMFA.com or in person at the Meet and Greet Open House on June 13.
Flag football and Cheerleading registration shall remain open until a later date.
For more information, visit www.WMMFA.com or email WMMFAfootball@gmail.com.