NFL's Youth Football Program: Punt, Pass, and Kick

As the leaves begin to turn bright orange and deep crimson, fall approaches with cooler temperatures, and so does the football season. Sunday games and Monday Night Football become a staple in the American home, there is an exciting program offered for kids ages 6-15. It is the NFL's Youth Football Program...Punt, Pass, & Kick, sponsered by Pepsi.

PP&K is a popular skills contest that has been around since 1961. Introduced to bring football to our nation's children, it has become one of the largest competitions in the country. Some very notable quaterbacks competed as youngsters: Brett Farve, Troy Aikmen, and Dan Marino.

The competion is free and open to all boys and girls ages 6-15. All that is needed is a valid birth certificate. Boys and girls compete seperately and are judged seperately in accordance with each age category. The age categories are as follows 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-15 year olds. Each player is allowed only one punt, one pass, and one kick for each qualifying round. Their scores not only reflect distance but, accuracy as well. A tally for each individual event is measured in feet and inches. A score is figured by where the football first touches the ground. There are no negative scores and the lowest score given can be a "0". A final score is a total of all three events.

Participants begin at the local level with most competitions held at schools or local parks and recreation centers and can only compete in ONE local contest. Finalists, then move on to a sectional contest where they compete for a second time. The top four finishers in each of their respective age groups move on to the team championship in their own NFL market and compete at their home team stadium. Only the top four competiters nationally from the sectionals advances to the national championship held at a playoff game in January.

The NFL does not charge the participants for competing in this contest, nor for travel arrangements to move forward. Everything neccesary to compete is provided by the NFL, including footballs. Please, do not bring your own ball. The program does ask that only soft soled shoes be used.

If your child wishes to participate or you are looking for more information, please visit the NFL's PPK official website: www.nflppk.com

To all the boys AND girls out there showing off your mad football skills...GOOD LUCK!!!