Elementary and middle school football enthusiasts, many of whom hope to strap on the pads to play for Newtown High School down the road, got a chance to step into the future for a week in late June, during the Newtown Parks and Recreation Department's Youth Football Camp. The camp, for students in grades 2-8, was conducted at Newtown High School's Blue & Gold Stadium.

Newtown High Football Coach Bobby Pattison and his coaching staff, as well as some high school players, directed the attendees. Some of the middle school participants are on the cusp of high school football.

"It's an opportunity for the kids to get out and show what they've got," Pattison said.

Participants learned basic skills in agility-based, as well as offensive- and defensive-themed, drills.

Pattison said the experience is a good one for the youth football players to start to learn the language of the game used at the high school level.

Coaches assisted the players in throwing techniques, and how to make cuts while running with the ball, for example. Players will have a chance to put their training to work in games during the upcoming Newtown Youth Football season in the Shoreline Conference. The young football players will be participating in preseason workouts in August before games begin. And before they know it, some of the athletes will be lacing up their cleats back at Blue & Gold, wearing a Newtown High uniform.