Burbank Vikings looking for coaches
The Burbank Vikings Youth Tackle Football program has enjoyed a record number of signups for its 2006 season.
The organization hopes to find spots for all the 260 athletes who have signed up. With the expanded interest, the Vikings are looking to add more teams.
The only problem is they don't have enough volunteer coaches to staff all of the teams ? especially for the Junior and Senior squads ? for the fall season.
Athletes will play on age- and weight-specific teams. Teams will play a conference schedule against other programs.
The football divisions are (age as of Dec. 2):
Pee Wee ? 7, 8; (max weight 105 pounds).
Bantam ? 9, 10; (125 pounds).
Junior ? 11, 12; (150 pounds).
Senior ? 13, 14 (185 pounds).
The Vikings squads will compete against programs from other cities in conference games, with home contests played Saturdays at Burbank High. There is also a homecoming. Teams also have the chance to participate in the playoffs.
The Vikings' organization has developed players who have gone on to success in high school, college and the NFL. It also serves as the only feeder program for the local high schools. It is the only local youth football organization in the city.
For coaches who would like to help can call Tom McDonald at (818) 843-1900, or visit www.burbankvikings.com.
Bulldog Basketball camp scheduled
Athletes who would like to improve their skills can do so at the 2006 Bulldog Basketball Camp.
The camp is open to boys' and girls' players 4-14 and will take place from 8 a.m. to noon in two sessions: July 26-19 and July 10-13.
The camp is run under the direction of Burbank boys' Coach Jose Hernandez and will be held at the Bulldog gym.
At the camp, every athlete will receive a T-shirt, reversible uniform and shorts, basketball and a bag. It will also include daily competitions and games and feature a guest speaker from the NBA.
The cost is $150 for one session and $225 for both sessions.
For more information, visit www.socalbasketballassociation.com.
Youth summer hoop camp slated
Boys' and girls' basketball players who will be in fifth through eighth grades in September will get a chance to take part in the seventh annual MVP Summer Basketball Camp.
The camp will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. June 26-30 at Jordan Middle School.
The cost is $80 and the camp is limited to 60 athletes. The deadline to register is June 14.
There will also be a pizza and pool party June 30.
The event is run by longtime Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services, Catholic Youth Organization and high school Coach Mike Graceffo.
Graceffo has more than 25 years coaching experience, and was an instructor at camps run by Michael Jordan and B.J. Armstrong in Chicago and Santa Barbara.
Graceffo also coached in the American Roundball Corp. and has won championships at many levels.
Along with learning basketball fundamentals and skills, participants will receive a profile card outlining a player's strengths and weaknesses, a self-help booklet, a gym bag, a T-shirt and a certificate of participation.
Athletes will play several pickup games, participate in basketball drills, take part in free-throw and shooting contests, watch basketball videos and get a chance to win prizes.
For more information, or to register, call 238-5390.
