Whetstone Valley Youth Football Kicks Off

The Whetstone Valley Youth Football team kicked off their season with a two-day mini camp. The camp ran Wednesday and Thursday evenings for any player wishing to get a feel for the sport or a start on the season. “The camp is a great way to introduce core fundamentals to the kids and get them into our practice routine. It is a good way for them to get to know the coaches as well,” said Scott Weise, practice coordinator for the organization.

Whetstone Valley Youth Football (WVYF) is open to players in grades three through six. The organization is based in Milbank but takes players from area schools such as Ortonville, Clinton-Graceville, and Wilmot. Approximately 105 players attended the camp, and approximately 20 more players are expected to join when the school year begins.

“Camp lets kids try football for a couple of nights with no strings attached,” said Keith Weber, a veteran coach for the camp. The camp teaches the fundamentals of football, and breaks down moves into simple steps so they can be understood and replicated by even the youngest players. Although the kids were issued equipment to use during the season, for camp days they utilize only the clothes they wear to camp. “The number one reason is they need to start getting accustomed to the heat,” Weber said.

Players get the chance to try out their new gear when WVYF begins routine practices three nights per week. Practice drops to two nights per week after school starts. Their games (called scrimmages) are typically played on Saturdays and include playing opponents from towns such as Sisseton, Groton, and Lac Qui Parle.