By Darrel Wheeler, Contributing Writer
On the first Saturday of April, boys and girls ages 5-13 were seen seeking some football knowledge from the newest Pop Warner Association’s coaching staff. Under the guidance of the La Mesa Highlanders leadership, the new kids on the block were taught a variety of football skills, drills, teamwork, and effort at the Highlander camp at Helix Charter High School.
”We want to reverse the winning over teaching trend that has dominated youth sports for too long,” Highlander Coach Daniel Veal shared. “We want kids to enjoy the Pop Warner football experience without all the pressure of winning at all costs and shortcuts to championships over integrity and basic football fundamentals.”
“I couldn’t emphasize enough about effort, so I told the kids today to give me their best effort. I don’t care if you played one day or five years of football, just give me your best effort and I will be satisfied, and you will too,” said Coach Daniel.
It appears at first glance that the La Mesa Pop Warner football and cheer experience is trying to get away from the helicopter-parenting, Super Bowl-chasing norm that has recently influenced the dynamics of youth sports.
Jayce Taylor, the easy-going, talented 11-year-old from Benchley Weinberger Elementary, said, “I learned a lot today, there was good coaching and some good players out here, and it was fun!”
Only time will tell if this new approach to change will be effective for the newest Pop Warner association on San Diego’s football map.
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