Octorara JUNE 14, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXIII • NO 15
Octorara to offer youth football camp BY FRANCINE FULTON
rills, learning the fundamentals and flag football games will be some of the activities featured during a youth football camp being offered from Tuesday, June 27, through Thursday June 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Octorara Junior-Senior High School. The camp, which is open to youngsters ages 6 to 14, will be led by high school football coach Ed Smith with help from alumni and current members of the Octorara Braves football team. Each session will begin with a warmup, followed by drills and then end with a mini game of flag football. “We will run it like a regular practice,” Smith explained. “We will do a stretching routine, I will say a quick word to them about what we are looking for - having fun, being excited and hustling - and we will break into different age groups for fundamental drills and teaching the different positions.” Smith noted that some youths are sent to camp because their parents want them to stay active during the summer, while other campers are eager to learn about the sport and have a chance to play. “It’s a good mix. We have some kids who love football, and they are really excited about it. (For the others), we try to get them to fall in love with the game and teach them the good things about the game,” Smith said, noting that the camp is open to youths from all area school districts, not just Octorara. Attendees should bring water bottles to camp, and they may wear cleats if they have them, but they are not required. “We take plenty of water breaks,” Smith said, noting that youths will be given an ice cream treat or a popsicle on the last day of camp. Smith said that the high school football players are eager to teach the younger students what they know about the game. “The whole goal is to get these kids involved early. They really look up to the high
Members of the Octorara Braves football team teach youngsters football skills during last year’s camp.
school football players like they are superheroes,” Smith shared. “We are starting to see some of the high school kids that went through this camp when they were 8 years old (play high school football). (Since) they went through the camp, they know what kind of impact they can have on other kids.” Per Smith’s direction, every Octorara football player is required
to take part in community service projects. For example, team members recently read to youngsters during Octorara’s Literacy Under the Lights program. “We are starting to see the benefits of the football culture in Octorara. I really believe in investing in our community and our youth,” Smith stated. The high school football team is active year-round. The players are
currently working out and lifting weights before football camp begins in August. “We are already preparing for the upcoming season. For these three days (of camp), we are taking a break to give back and invest in our youth,” Smith said. For more information about the youth football camp and to register, visit www.octorarafootball.org. Walk-ins will also be welcome.
The Chester County commissioners approved the awarding of $2.5 million in open space preservation and park improvement grants on May 25 at the commissioners’ public meeting. The grants are made available through Chester County’s Preservation Partnership Program, which offers funding to municipalities and nonprofit land preservation organizations. The commitment of county funds will help leverage an additional $15 million of non-county funds. A total of 15 grants will be awarded this year. The City of Coatesville will receive $100,000 for the first phase of planned improvements at Ash Park, including a rehabilitated main entrance; a gathering space and event area; a recirculating splashpad to replace the nonfunctional swimming pools; a pavilion with cooling station; native plants/landscaping; and ADA-accessible site access, picnic tables and restroom. East Bradford Township will receive $250,000 to construct the first phase of the Plum Run Trail on a portion of the township-owned 48-acre Plum Run Preserve. It will include a 1,300-linear-foot, 8-footwide universally accessible multiuse asphalt trail; an 11-car public parking lot; and a 2,520-square-foot outdoor heritage center/trailhead at the western terminus of the trail located adjacent to the historic Strode’s Barn. East Coventry Township will receive $50,000 for the acquisition of 1.7 acres to add to its 160-acre publicly accessible Nature Preserve. East Fallowfield Township will receive $52,946 for the construction of a 36-foot ADA-accessible gazebo at its Community Park to serve as an outdoor community gathering space and allow for outdoor performances and concert events. See Grants pg 2
Check Out Our Awesome Selection for Beautiful Gardens! • Annuals • Vegetables • Herbs • Perennials • Shrubs & Raspberry Plants & Lots, Lots More!
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Pick Your Own or Ready-Picked 400 Long Lane At Marticville Road
Containers = Our Best Potting Soil, Proven Results!! POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER JUN. 14, 2023
Postal Patron
OCC
D
Chester County commissioners award grants
(Rts. 741 & 324S) 3 Miles S. of Lancaster Mon.-Sat. 8-6, Closed Sunday
CHERRIES! 717-872-9311 717 872 9311
www.cherryhillorchards.com
R096718 096 6718
townlively.com