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Lake Worth Bandits relaunch youth football, cite safety training and new equipment
Summary
Coach Bridal Coffey said the Lake Worth Bandits program returned with about 189 participants across six teams and new equipment donated by the city; commissioners asked about concussion protocols and were told coaches have 'heads up' certification and the program uses Guardian caps.
Bridal Coffey, president and coach of the Lake Worth Bandits, updated the commission on the relaunched youth football and cheer program. "We're already doing that. I know last year, they didn't have Lakewood did not have football. This year, we have 189 participants between tackle football and cheer," Coffey said, outlining six teams and recent camps and tournaments.
Commissioners asked how the program addresses concussion and head-injury risk. Coffey said coaches are certified in Heads Up tackling technique and that the program uses state-of-the-art equipment and Guardian caps to reduce head contact. The program is funded through sponsorships and some city support; Coffey asked for the commission and residents to attend the opening home game and local sponsors to help cover costs. Commissioners and staff offered modest discretionary funds and community contacts to help with jerseys and equipment.
Why it matters: The program returns organized contact youth sports to the city, increasing recreation opportunities for families and requiring the city to coordinate safety oversight, facility scheduling and modest financial support.
