To say that football is a great sport to participate in would be an understatement. 

It’s a game that can be played by kids of all ages, in various formats, and with players of a plethora of skill levels. But regardless of whether the game is tackle, flag, or just in the backyard, the same principles apply for anyone that loves football.  The game should be fun to play and taught the right way.

Those components are on display and taught at the USA Football Protection Tour that is coming up later this summer. 

In partnership with Riddell and AIG, the USA Football Protection Tour is a free event where kids ages 7 to 14 learn the fundamentals of the game from coaches that are Heads Up Football certified.  My kids participated in the event last summer and had a great time going through the drills while also receiving some valuable health and safety information.  

What’s really great about this event is that it’s for any child who loves football.  My older son Bradley plays tackle football and my younger son Jared is about to start flag football but this event is great for any child because the skills and safety information apply to all forms of football. You don’t have to wear a helmet and pads to enjoy the game, but the proper fundamentals are essential and that is a huge part of the Protection Tour. 

The kids are divided into groups based on age and they move around to different stations and go through fun and important drills where they learn how to run with the ball, catch the ball, throw the ball and even kick the ball.  There is a group session where the coaches talk to the kids about the game of football and there’s also a period where a USA Football rep talks to the parents about the issues surrounding the game.

This year, the protection tour will be making six stops at NFL cities:

• July 15 - Denver Broncos
• July 18 - San Francisco 49ers
• July 29 - Kansas City Chiefs
• August 4 - Buffalo Bills
• August 6 - Pittsburgh Steelers
• August 26 - Cincinnati Bengals 

If your child has his/her own helmet, they’re encouraged to bring it to the event where a Riddell representative will properly adjust the helmet to make sure it fits correctly.  Each kid that registers for the event will receive a t-shirt and he or she will go home with memories of a wonderful experience that will prepare them for the upcoming season. 

To learn more about the Protection Tour and to register, click here.

Summer is here and that means football season is right around the corner but it’s never too early to start getting ready for training camp. Many kids, including mine, will be going to some sort of football camp during the coming months. Spending just a few hours at the USA Football Protection Tour is a fun and important way to prepare your child for the upcoming season. 

I can tell you from experience that each kid also goes home with a smile on their face.

Peter is a sports anchor for the CBS Sports Radio Network and WCBS 880 Radio in New York.  His son Bradley plays youth football on Long Island while his younger son Jared will begin playing flag football this coming fall.  Peter, his wife Sheryl and the boys are busy cheering on the New York Jets when they’re not at a youth football field.