The 13U New Haven Steelers, a youth football team, have been practicing since early July and are preparing for their season opener on August 22. The team, which dominated the New England region last season, is looking to improve and make a run for the national championship.

Team Preparation

Head coach Garrett Barros has been working with the team to develop their skills and build a strong sense of camaraderie. The team has been focusing on physical conditioning, position drills, and learning the playbook. Barros emphasized the importance of structure and commitment, saying, “We get a chance to provide that and also to teach them commitment, making sure you do something 100% rather than just do it just because, and that helps them get prepared for the next level and also for life.”

The team has a strong support system, with coaches and parents working together to provide a positive and supportive environment. Team Mom Delores Roberts enforces a strict no-cussing policy and emphasizes the importance of education, saying, “Education is first.” The team also has a number of experienced coaches, including offensive coordinator DeMelle Turner and defensive line coach Nate Morrison-Fuller, who have been with the team since the players were six.

Challenges Ahead

Despite their strong preparation, the team faces a number of challenges, including the fact that most of the players will age out of the league after this season. The team also plays its home games at Winslow Field, which has been described as “overgrown and poorly maintained” and poses safety hazards. Coach Richard Barrett recently issued an open letter to the mayor and Board of Alders, requesting attention be paid to the athletic fields used by the Steelers.

Despite these challenges, the team remains focused and determined. As defensive coordinator Martin Colon said, “You are going to have bumps in the road, you are going to have adversity, we get it… Football is football. But if you know what you’re doing, you play good because you don’t second-guess yourself. You can go at 100 mph that way.”

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.