City to host NFL youth competition

The city of Maricopa will be hosting the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick program August 20.

The program is a national skills competition for boys and girls between the ages of 8-15 who compete against their peers.

However, Maricopa will open the competition to age groups 4-15. “The 4-7 year olds can come out and compete, but they just won’t be able to move on to the regional competition,” said David Aviles, adult and youth sports coordinator for the city.

Established in 1961, the Punt, Pass and Kick program is the oldest NFL Youth Football program in the country; this year’s competition will mark the fifth time Maricopa has participated in the event.

Boy and girl competitors in the event are separated into four age divisions (8-9, 10-11, 12-13 and 14-15) who compete against each other in punting, passing and place kicking in a fun and engaging forum.

The person with the top score in each age bracket will move on to the regional tournament and ultimately could have a shot at competing at the national tournament, which will be held the day of an NFL divisional playoff game.

The program is free, and registration will be done on site the day of the program.

If You Go:

What: NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition
Where: Pacana Park, 19000 N. Porter Rd
When: 6 p.m., Aug. 20
Cost: Free

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