Some people may believe that it is up to the coaches and parents of young kids to teach them fundamentals of football. However, the coaches and players of the UW River Falls Falcon football team beg to differ. The night of Tuesday September 6, 2011, the Falcons hosted approximately 240 kids at their second annual youth football night at Ramer Field. The athletes of the River Falls youth football league had an enjoyable night in store for them as the Falcons taught them some new skills and workouts.

Kicking off the night, the young athletes caught the end of the varsity football practice. After the Falcons concluded their practice, the kids separated into small groups. Each group was sent to a station that current Falcon players and coaches were in charge of. For a generous amount of time, the kids drifted from station to station where they were taught the basics of football. After the drills, the kids were invited into the locker room were they received free t-shirts that they were signed by the Falcon football team. Justin Wilson, the River Falls youth football president, stated, “There are so many positive things that come from this practice, but the one thing that I think the kids enjoy the most is going through the locker rooms and getting the players' autographs.” He then went on to say, “It is amazing how these kids cherish these autographs. If you are ever at a UWRF football game, or if you ever visit one of the River Falls elementary schools, look to see how many kids are wearing an autograph filled, white or red UWRF youth Falcon t-shirt.”

When asked about the experience he had, B.J. Letourneau, one of the football team captains at UWRF, stated, “I really enjoyed the youth football night. We have done it for the last two years now and it is fun to interact with the young football players in River Falls. We love all the energy they bring and we also have fun as a team.” The players did not just enjoy their experience, but it was also a wonderful way to build their team's chemistry. Still talking about the overall experience, Letourneau proclaimed, “It was especially good for the new players to really become part of our Falcon football family.”

AdamMyszewski is the father of two of the young athletes that were in attendance at the joint practice—Alex, eight years old and Cade, six years old. Myszewski was, “Extremely impressed by the players' interest in teaching the kids.” For the two hours the Falcons interacted with the young football athletes and helped build the skills of the football players of tomorrow, possibly even this skills of future Falcons. The UWRF head coach, Matt Walker, was very energetic while talking about the experience; “The guys really enjoy working with the young kids and it is a great way for the team to show their support for the community.” Walker hopes to continue this youth night in the future and possibly even organize summer camps to keep giving back to the River Falls youth football teams.

The Falcon football team loved seeing the kids get excited about playing football with the 'Big Guys' for a night; Hopefully the team will see them again very soon at some of their games this season! Wilson also stated, “The main thing they gain from this experience is a true passion for the game. The kids really look up to these players. Thank you to Coach Matt Walker, Coach Greg Bower, Roger Ternes and all of the UWRF football players. This event is something that the kids really enjoy and are excited about each year!”

Be sure to check out the Falcons next football game at Ramer Field for the UWRF homecoming on October 8 at 1 p.m. as they take on UW-Whitewater!