Jr. All American Football Conference coaches gather to learn football techniques and are treated to talk by UCLA Def Coordinator DeWayne Walker.  Santa Clarita Wildcat Coaches also take part.

James McGoldrick, SCV Gridiron (7/21)

The La Canada Gladiators youth football chapter produced a coaching clinic at St. Francis HS this past Saturday that attracted nearly 200 coaches.  Gladiator adminstrator, Kevin Hurley, organized the event with the participation of St. Francis Head Coach, Jim Bonds. 

The clinic was intended for coaches that participate in the Jr. All American Football San Gabriel Valley Conference as each coach is required to attend a pre-season clinic.  Coach Hurley also extended an invitation to the Santa Clarita Wildcats of the Gold Coast League who responded by sending a dozen of their coaches.

Wildcat Athletic Director, John "JT" Torres was a featured speaker at the event.  Coach JT offered the attending coaches insights into practice planning and team building techniques that was acknowledged by all as a highly relevant and informative presentation.

The Keynote speaker was UCLA Defensive Coordinator DeWayne Walker.  Coach gave a insightful talk on the importance and impact that youth coaches have on young players.  "It all starts with you guys," he emphasized.  A former youth coach himself, Coach drew parallels to coaching at all levels of play emphasizing that players at every age want to please their coach and make an impact on the field.Another guest speaker was UNLV coach, Andy LaRussa.  Coach LaRussa is a St. Francis alumni and gave an informative presentation on the importance of Special Teams. 

The St. Francis Varsity players rand drills during the morning session for both offense and defense.  Coach Bonds gave a special session for Offensive Coordinators and SF Defensive Coordinator, Mark Gibbons, did the same for those managing the other side of the ball.      

Coach Bonds was very appreciative of the turnout and looks forward to conducting the clinic again next year.