The Portage Pitbulls Football Club is calling on local families to help get two of its youth teams on the field this season, as registration deadlines quickly approach.
Club president Luke Irwin says they’re looking for more athletes in two key age groups.
“We are short on players for the Atom age group, which is the 2014 and 2015 age group, and as well as the Peewee age group, which is 2012 and 2013,” he notes. “We have to declare our teams by the end of the week on Sunday at 9 p.m.”
Final camp set for Sunday
To give families one last chance to sign up, the Pitbulls are hosting a final camp this Sunday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Republic Park.
Irwin says it’s not just a practice, it’s also an opportunity to ask questions or register on site.
“We will have some board members at the practice set up in a booth that will help parents... so that they can register at the field and they can answer any questions that they might have for the upcoming season.”
Program growing in other divisions
While Atom and Peewee are currently below numbers, other divisions like Crunchers and Bantam are seeing positive signs.
“We’re hoping to get two Crunchers teams,” Irwin adds. “Right now we are sitting at, I believe, 15 kids. If we get another three or four kids signed up, then we can split that Crunchers team into two teams, which just gives the players more playing time.”
He also says more older players are joining the Bantam squad this year instead of playing high school football.
“Getting more time on the field is kind of the mindset there,” he continues.
Support available for new players
Families worried about the cost of registration are encouraged to reach out.
“If parents want to go on to the Portage Pitbulls Football Club Facebook site, we have the links to the Portage Pitbulls registration there,” Irwin remarks. “We also do funding if they’re looking for funding and there’s a few options for that as well.”
When it comes to gear, the club has things covered.
“The club provides all the equipment, so helmet, shoulder pads, that’s already provided,” Irwin mentions. “All they really need is cleats and a mouth guard.”
With just days to go before the team declaration deadline, Irwin is hoping families act quickly.
“Just try and make sure you tell your friends and bring as many people out this Sunday as possible.”
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