MENDHAM, N.J. — The Twin Boro Bears (TBB), a youth football program for kids 6-13 years old in Chester and Mendham, epitomizes the spirit of youth sports. Playing in the Morris County Youth Football League, the program begins with flag football for the 1st and 2nd graders, while kids in 3rd through 8th grade put on the pads. 

The purpose of the program is to introduce and teach football in a safe, responsible way. The Bears currently have 170 kids playing flag through 8th grade, with 125 girls in cheer.   

“It’s all about the kids having fun while learning the game of football,” said coach and board president Todd Christie. “Our numbers have increased over the last two to three years as we have successfully communicated to parents the efforts the program has made to make football a safe experience.”

Beginning with teaching proper tackling technique—not tackling with your head—TBB’s utmost concern is the safety of the kids. All coaches are required to take the USA football safety course each year. As regards equipment, TBB paid $5,000 for guardian caps (a dense foam rubber cap that is clipped to the front of a helmet). Guardian caps are mandatory in practice and required in games for anyone who has had a concussion.

At the end of the season every helmet is sent to Riddell to be reconditioned. If there is a crack or an imperfection in any helmet, a new one is requested. All shoulder pads are examined in a similar manner. Weight ranges are set up at each level of play and all players are weighed before each game. This not only adds to the reduced likelihood of injuries, it also gives the player a better chance of having a positive experience. If a kid is too light for his grade, playing the level below against kids the same size can increase playing time and further develop skills. Greater success on the field and a better experience is usually the result.

This holistic approach and safety-first attitude is a significant part of why Twin Boro Bears is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2021. The program has been run by many good volunteers over the years. Most recently, Vinny LaSorsa, who was board president for nine of the 13 years he served.

“Vinny is a selfless guy,” Todd Christie said. “He continued to serve after his son was out of the program. It’s important to recognize the guys who came before us, who made the league better. We are simply building off the foundation that has been built.”

Youth sports is about kids having fun playing a game, being exposed to exercise that will hopefully become a lifelong habit, and developing character. It is important to learn how to be a good teammate, to get along with others, and to encourage a friend who may have dropped a ball. Learning how to pick oneself up after a mistake and to succeed with humility are lifelong lessons. There is no substitute for good sportsmanship. 

The Twin Boro Bears football program embraces and encourages all of these attributes.

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.