Cannon Airmen bring leadership skills to the football field

Melanie Salazar

Football begins at an early age for some eastern New Mexico children, as Clovis’ PlayInc. is kicking off its summer football league this week for children ages 3 to 12.

But it’s not only the kids who will be filling their remaining summer days with first downs and tackles.

Many Cannon Airmen will be taking their leadership skills out to the field to coach the different teams.

One coach, Staff Sgt. Edward Jackson, 27th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, is among those preparing for the upcoming season. Coming to Cannon after four years of coaching experience in Japan, Sgt. Jackson was happy to get the opportunity to pass his knowledge on to a handful of fifth and sixth graders.

“I just want to be able to teach the kids how to play,” he said.

Sgt. Jackson’s team will consist of players from Melrose and Ranchvale Elementary schools. He said he not only intends to give them a solid foundation in the game of football, but also hopes to see them walk away with a few skills that may help them off the field as well.

“It will teach leadership skills to some kids,” he said. “It really teaches you to be a team player because there are 10 other people out there.”

The program also helps keep kids active, he said.

“It also promotes being healthy,” he said. “It keeps them on the field and off the couch.”

With a registration fee peaking at $85, Sgt. Jackson said many parents may shy away from the program. However financial aid is available, according to PlayInc. director of football operations, Sammy Herrera.

PlayInc. offers sponsorships to some children, as the non-profit organization will split the registration cost with those demonstrating financial need.

“We try to get somewhere from 10 to 20 kids, depending on what we can afford,” Mr. Herrera said. “This year we’re going on a case by case scenario, asking schools who really needs sponsorships.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring a child to play is also more than welcome, Mr. Herrera said.

Another factor that might keep parents from letting their children participate is the danger involved in the sport. While some risk is involved, Sgt. Jackson said children who learn the proper techniques are less likely to get hurt.

“A lot of parents don’t want their kids to get hurt,” he said. “It is a dangerous sport. But driving a car is dangerous—it all comes down to technique.”

The parent of a young football player himself, Sgt. Jackson is excited to get a chance to coach his 10-year-old son this season.

“I really wanted him to play, but I wasn’t pressuring him,” he said. “But when he asked, that was all he needed to do.”

Sgt. Jackson hopes his son will take some valuable ideas from the experience.

“I hope he learns teamwork and leadership skills there,” he said. “And maybe in the long run it will get him into sports.”

With practice beginning this week, Sgt. Jackson hopes for a successful year, though he said his team’s record wouldn’t be the important part.

“At this age, winning is not supposed to be the thing,” he said. “It’s more about having fun.”

Registration for the football league ends Saturday. For more information call 763-6188.