NAWILIWILI — Brad Hiranaka of the Kaua‘i Youth Football was able to spend time with his Kaua‘i Bulldogs team made up of students in grades 4 through 6.
“We’ve got some high school students, but today it’s the little guys’ turn with the ball,” Hiranaka said. “We have some of the high school players here, but today, they’re just helping the coaches.”
During the fall season, Hiranaka juggles between coaching responsibilities at the Kaua‘i High School program and assisting his corps of KYF coaches in Nawiliwili.
Hiranaka said the KYF Program, recently celebrating the victory of Triple X from Kaua‘i’s Westside as the winner of its fundraising softball tournament over the weekend, can always use more players.
“We have our first games coming up March 16 and 17 when the Kahuku team comes to visit,” Hiranaka said. “There is still enough time for players to get in shape for that first game.”
Interested players, especially those in grades 4 through 6, can find application forms at www.kauaiyouthfootball.com.
There is no weight limit and the program is open to junior varsity, intermediate and elementary school students in the Kapa‘a, Lihu‘e and Westside areas.
Hiranaka said practices take place at Nawiliwili Beach Park for the Lihu‘e players and at the New Kapa‘a Town Park stadium with coach Luther Yam. Practices take place from 4:30 to 6:45 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at both locations.
Kaua‘i Youth Football is a nonprofit operating under the American Youth Football league. The AYF is a league with more than 23,000 teams in all 50 states. The objective is to promote the wholesome development of youth through their association with adult leaders in the sport of American football, according to the AYF.
The KYF program supports AYF in its belief that every child who wants to play football, or cheer, has the opportunity despite financial constraints, prompting the start of the “Circle of Giving Back” concept.
Hiranaka said fundraisers such as the recent softball tournament and the upcoming golf tournament on March 25 at the Wailua Golf Course are essential to helping the young athletes enjoy football.
Hiranaka, a football coach for 16 years, wants to create a year-round football program. He wants to create an elite organization in which its players can become not only strong in sports, but accommodating enough to make sure everyone can play.
This concept was demonstrated during practice Monday when the high school players worked with the elementary school players.
Visit www.kauaiyouthfootball.com or call Hiranaka at 652-9962 for more information.
