President Evokes Concussion Awareness at Local Youth Football Level

PRLog (Press Release) - Feb. 25, 2013 - Concussion and head injury awareness is at an all time high. All levels of football are under scrutiny of player safety. President Obama recently shared his thoughts on concussions prior to this years NFL Championship game. The President's concern was focused on players at lower levels of the game, stating that the pro's "are well-compensated" and their risks are known. In Kansas City, the risk of head injuries is prompting greater awareness at the youth football level.

"We coach proper techniques to reduce the risk of head injuries. As an organization, we never sacrifice player safety." according to Pleasant Valley Giants Youth Football president, Ben Cardello. The reduction of head injuries and concussions begins with proper education for coaches and players. Reducing the distance before contact and the duration of full contact drills, while emphasizing a heads-up-tackling and always-in-motion technique are ways that teams are reducing potential head injuries in practice and game situations.

Beginning in 2013, the NFL is introducing new challenges for equipment providers to improve technology and innovate ways to measure forces sustained during contact. At the youth level, teams are burdened to raise funds to cover the newer equipment costs. The Pleasant Valley Giants hope to raise funds for new helmets and equipment at their "Flapjacks for Helmets" pancake breakfast, from 8am - 10am, Saturday March 2nd, at Applebee's of Gladstone. Coach Cardello adds, "Even though there is no helmet that can prevent concussions or head injury, I'm confident that new helmets will improve player fit and comfort, as well as conform to current regulations for safety."

The general public and Giants alumni are invited to attend "Flapjacks for Helmets" March 2nd, 8am - 10am at Applebee's Gladstone location, 6069 Antioch, Gladstone, Missouri 64119. The price of all-you-can eat pancakes benefit is $7.00 per person, donations also excepted.

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The Pleasant Valley Giants program supports Football players and Cheerleaders in all athletic and scholastic endeavors. The P.V. Giants coaches and staff focus on teaching football & cheer fundamentals, competitive spirit and sportsmanship. As members of the North Suburban Youth Football League, The P.V. Giants field flag and tackle football teams up to 8th grade, as well as cheerleading teams.

The P.V. Giants' home field is located off of I-435 and Shoal Creek Parkway, in the northland. The Pleasant Valley park sports complex was created with a 50/50 partnership with the NFL and the NSYFL, and is the largest complex in the NSYFL. The PV Giants moved from their previous Cooly Park location after the 2011 season.

Contact the NSYFL Pleasant Valley Giants at http://PVGiants.org

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/12086618/1