The Louth Mavericks are another new team to the youth league this year, as the IAFL 1 club looks to build on their senior and flag programmes. The Mavericks are based in Dundalk and have been working hard to give 15 to 18 year olds in the area the opportunity to play American football.
How are preparations for the youth season coming along?
“Slowly but surely. As it is our first year developing a youth team, it took a while to get numbers up to where we wanted them to be but now, we’re starting to look ready to take on the league.”
What do you hope to achieve this season?
“The main focus of youth this year is to prepare new players and give them a basis in which they can enter adult football with key skills and techniques, as well as offering something new and different to those who might not have the most experienced sporting backgrounds and skills.”
How important is youth football to your clubs’ overall football programme?
“Recruitment is always a process which takes many forms and our youth team is an important part of that.”
What key points do you emphasise to your players?
“As all coaches should at all levels – we drill the fundamentals. Heads up, safe tackling. The basics of routes. How to block and get off blocks. Things that all football players should know.”
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of starting to play American football?
“Our advice would be to come on down to a training session. No one knows how to play until they do it and don’t worry about a lack of knowledge or fitness, that’s what the training sessions are for!”
Join The Louth Mavericks
The Mavericks youth team trains from 6pm to 7.30pm at the DKIT fields on Wednesdays. They provide pads and helmets free of charge for all youth members. Text or WhatsApp 0858172974 if you’re interested in joining or message the Louth Mavericks Facebook or Instagram pages.