No Lockout Here: Get Ready for the Punt, Pass, Kick Competition

While the NFL players are currently in a battle with owners over (surprise!) money, forcing a lockout, local youth still have the opportunity to show off their skills in early July.

Held annually, the Punt, Pass and Kick competition will be held at Stevens Field in Ridgewood on July 10, starting at 9:30 a.m.

Organized by the Ridgewood Junior Football Association locally, over 3 million players will compete nationally in the NFL's oldest national competition, its 50th year. Those with top-notch skills in distance and accuracy could have the opportunity to show what they've got at an NFL playoff game, said Ridgewood Junior Football Association's Jim Hogan.

The free competition is split up into five age groupings for both boys and girls: 6-7; 8-9; 10-11; 12-13; and 14-15, and participants don't have to be from Ridgewood.

"If any kid actually makes it to the Team Championships, the kids will actually be involved at some kind of event at the stadium. If any kid makes it to the national finals, the kids will appear in an NFL playoff game," Hogan said.

While Hogan doesn't know of any local youth that have made it that far (which includes victories in sectionals and nationals), with strong talent in the younger ranks, it's a possibility.

Often held in May, Hogan said the date was pushed back this year.

"We're hoping to get better participation...we had people with conflicts with soccer games or lacrosse [in May]. We're hoping that in July we won't have those conflicts."

Another thing local organizers are hoping for this year is a better turnout from girls. While not many play organized football and the NFL's promotion on their end has been low, Hogan is hopeful the numbers are better in 2011, on the 50th anniversary.

With a bit in The Ridgewood News for Friday and posters planned to dress storefront windows, "I hope we can get some good participation this year which would include more girls," Hogan said.

"I think it's a great event because it gets kids out instead of sitting at home and watching television," the organizer told Patch.

"Whether kids are playing football–flag or tackle–in the fall, it gives them an opportunity to put a football in their hands during the summer and makes them start thinking about football. Hopefully that gets them excited for when they start playing in August or September!"

For any questions, contact Jim Hogan at (201) -956-3730. The free event on July 10 begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 10:30 a.m. Bring sneakers!