Rumson-Fair Haven youth football and cheer programs prepare for Fall games
FAIR HAVEN, N.J. — The Rumson-Fair Haven Youth Football program for Bulldogs aged 9 through 14 has continued to gain popularity due to a broad foundation of support through grassroots efforts in both communities. What in years past has typically comprised of two to three football teams, has doubled to six teams for the upcoming 2021 season (9U, 10U, 11U, 12U and 14U). The cheer program has tripled to five squads (two at 8U, two at 10U and one at 12U). With over 220 kids registered, volunteer parent coaches look forward to a fantastic fall season.
The program is a franchise organization of New Jersey American Youth Football (NJAYF) and a member of the Jersey Shore Conference. NJAYF is a franchise organization of American Youth Football (AYF), which promotes the wholesome development of youth in the sport of football through adult leadership. Rules and regulations are established to ensure an atmosphere of safety and a competitive balance between teams. The Bulldogs added a competition cheer team to the program in 2016, and they are now national champions.
The youth program has forged a strong relationship with the athletics department at Rumson-Fair Haven High School, especially athletics director Chris Lanzalotto, and head football coach Jerry Schulte. All home games will be played on the turf at RFH, an exciting moment for young players who look up to the high school Dawgs. Coach Schulte recently hosted a clinic for the youth football coaches to help them understand and align with the principals and objectives of the high school program. Actions like this ensure that boys who want to play high school football have the proper instruction and training to compete at a high level once they get there.
“Football provides a unique opportunity to teach our children values and lessons they will rely on the rest of their lives,” says Brian Gay, RFH Youth Football Vice President and 11U parent coach. “It’s a team sport that requires all players, each with a critical role and united by a common purpose, to work together to be successful. Kids learn how to set goals and prepare to achieve them, the value of commitment and hard work, how to overcome adversity and the importance of teamwork.”
Practices began on July 26 and the first games are scheduled for August 22. The teams will play through the end of October and potentially into November, depending on playoffs. RFH Youth Football is grateful to the recreation departments of both Rumson and Fair Haven, who have worked together to provide practice fields and facilities for all teams. More information including game and practice schedules, photos, and links to social media pages is available at rfhdawgs.org.
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