If you asked Tim Nagurka, recreation director in West New York, what is there for kids to look forward to besides returning to school, his answers would include cheerleading, football, and soccer.
West New York will, as it has in the past, provide free coaching and equipment to youngsters ranging from ages 8 to 14 in those three sports during fall months. Parents need only to register their children and bring proof of residence. There are no tryouts; all children are accepted into the sport of their choosing from the options available.
The town of West New York was scheduled to stop taking registrations for soccer and football last Friday, but will continue registering both girls and boys in their year-round cheerleading program.
There are no tryouts. All eligible children are accepted into one of three sports available this fall.
________
“The best part of it is watching the kids play and seeing their enjoyment,” said Nagurka. “Whether kids score a goal or a touchdown, it’s great to see the smile in their faces.”
Positive aspects
Apart from the smiles on children’s faces, there are the smiles on parents’ faces, according to Nagurka. He said that parents didn’t have to pay a fee for coaching, a uniform, or sports equipment. The equipment could be loaned on the promise of return after the end of the season. Shoes would be the only item that parents must purchase.
“In many Hudson County towns, there is a fee that’s charged with each program. The mayor in our town is wonderful and he knows that times are tough and some don’t come from a rich community,” said Nagurka. “He doesn’t charge a thing for these programs.”
Another positive aspect lies in the opportunity for children to socialize with peers while learning necessary life skills, according to Nagurka.
“Lessons learned are how to be a good teammate; how to interact with other kids, some that may not necessarily go to their school. They learn how to socialize, to respect officials, respect adults, life skills that they will need when they become adults,” said Narguka. “I think the most important thing is that so many kids get the opportunity to play and succeed.”
Competition
In soccer and football, kids compete with neighboring towns and occasionally travel for games. Soccer players tend to travel more so than football players, according to Nagurka, mostly to towns such as Kearny and Harrison.
The cheerleaders travel to cheer for the football team and have traveled in the past to competitions in Hershey, Pa. Nagurka said that the team consisting of 12-and 13-year-olds has won consecutive national championship awards in the past two years.
“They’re very well-known wherever they go,” said Nagurka. “Aitza Cercone, the head women’s cheerleading coach, she’s done a tremendous job.”
For more information in activities available to residents through West New York’s Recreation Department, call them at (201) 867-1921.
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com