Michael Ippoliti, 9, Has a Passion for Football

As we recognize the great athletes competing for gold in the 2012 Olympics, we also want to recognize some local athletes.

Name: Michael Ippoliti
Age: 9
Grade: Fourth
School:
Favorite NFL Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Favorite Olympic Sports: Swimming, Basketball and Gymnastic

Michael’s Mom, Michele Ippoliti, says Michael is watching the Olympics.

“He loves competing and cheering on the USA!” she says.

Michael is entering his fourth year with the Conestoga Generals in Berwyn. He attended Philadelphia Eagles Summer Camp a few weeks ago and qualified in his age group for sectionals in the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Contest, his mom says. Sectional competition will occur in this fall.

Michele Ippoliti says she and her husband Carl, who is an assistant coach with the Conestoga Generals, do have concerns about football injuries, but they have faith in the safety practices by the team.

“We know that the Pop Warner Football Association, along with the Conestoga Generals team, share the same concerns and teach safety first. The Conestoga Generals teach the correct way to tackle,” Ippoliti says.

“The Generals coaching staff  are always conscious of not leading with the head and correcting the players to not lead with their head. If you child starts tackle football early, they also learn early the proper techniques of safe tackling. As parents, we realize that injuries can happen playing any sport, the key is awareness and making safety a priority.”  

Football isn’t the only sport he plays. Michael also plays baseball for DSLL and basketball for Malvern League and UMLY.