Eagles, Hornets train together

The Valley Stream Green Hornets coaches teamed up with the Central High School Eagles coaches and players to put on a three-day football camp for kids at Firemen’s Field from June 10-12.

Although this was a no-contact training camp, the coaches and players were able to teach boys and girls from 6-14 years old the fundamentals of football, hoping to spark an interest in the sport.

“Our objective tonight is to get you to love football,” Bryan Goldman, first-year head coach of the Central High School varsity football team, said to the kids in a huddle before separating them for positional drills.

The kids were split into four groups by age, and sent to one of four positions. They spent 20 minutes learning about the techniques of the quarterback, wide receiver, running back and linemen positions, getting tutelage from coaches and players from the Eagles.

“It’s good for the kids,” said Bobby Hawkey, president of the Green Hornets. “It’s good to get the kids out there now and get ready for the football season.”

Keira Collins, 10, said she had fun during the camp and said that it was her idea to take part in the clinic. “I like being outside and running around,” she said.

With a camp full of young boys, Collins said she was a bit nervous at the start of the clinic, but after running around, she was able to calm down. “I told myself that it doesn’t matter about gender,” she said.

Devin Page, 9, said that he learned how to get into a stance, throw the ball properly and how to block defenders. Page has played football before for the Green Hornets as a middle linebacker and running back, but found the quarterback position fun after the drills.

Tyler Benvin, 13, who has played wide receiver and running back previously, said that he learned new routes and found a new way to play the game. “They taught us to not give up, go all the way, and to work hard at it,” he said.

Goldman said that he appreciated the chance to help the younger kids find a love of the game. “We just hope they come out, have fun with football, continue with it and see what the finished product is with our older guys,” he said.

It was not just the kids who got something out of this camp, Goldman said, adding that his players also learned from the experience.

“The older kids realize they are role models in the community,” he said. “That’s a thing that can’t be taken lightly. Everything they do, there’s always these kids that look at them as larger than life.”

Alejandro Cruz, a sophomore offensive lineman and defensive end for the Eagles, said that the camp helped the kids learn to stay safe and healthy while playing football, and expects them to continue with the sport. He also said that he learned there’s no age limit for having fun with the game. “It’s a great game to play,” he said.

Christian Rodriguez, 13, who has played as a lineman, wide receiver and fullback, said that he would recommend the camp for all his friends to play.

“The coaches are very experienced, it’s fun and you learn while having fun,” he said. “It’s better than most programs I’ve been to.”

The Hornets will begin its 64th season of play in the fall.