NASHUA – The Nashua Police Athletic League is celebrating the 10th year of its youth football program this fall.

As part of the American Youth Football League, the Nashua PAL Force and the Nashua Elks Crusaders have served as the town’s two premiere youth football teams. Each program allows kids ages 5-15 from prekindergarten to eighth grade to participate.

Since the creation of the Nashua PAL Force team, the city implemented the North and South high school dividing line to designate the youth football programs for their own geographical areas. Those who live north of the line sign up for the Nashua PAL team, while those who reside south play for the Crusaders.

Brian Lawrence, a board member for Nashua PAL, believes this line has worked out well for both programs.

“The division line was put in place so kids could play with teammates that will be on their teams during the high school years,” Lawrence said. “The kids will have their best opportunity from day one to end their football careers on a high note. Playing alongside one another for so long helps that.”

While participation for youth football in Nashua has remained at a steady pace recently, numbers are down compared with just five years ago, said Lori Cummins, president of the Crusaders program.

Cummings said there are a number of factors that have played into the numbers hit, noting the most important one is the time commitment.

“That’s the biggest one when it comes down to the reason for the reduced numbers,” Cummings said. “It wasn’t that kids didn’t like it; it’s parents coming up to me and mentioning their lack of time.”

Lawrence agrees: “There are more activities of all kinds for younger people to take advantage of. Some people might not want to commit, some may worry about safety and thoughts of money.

“There is a commitment to yourself and team, but it can be rewarding when you participate.”

While Cummings went on to mention the emergence of lacrosse and other appealing contact sports that catch the youth’s eyes, one factor she believes doesn’t play an extensive role in reduced participation is player safety – more specifically, concussions.

While concussions have recently become a hot-topic concern lingering around football in general, let alone younger leagues, Cummings gave credit to her Crusader program, saying that prevention techniques are in full effect.

“I honestly believe that if they are getting the right training from the beginning – learning how to tackle, where to tackle and hit – and our officials are making right calls on those types of incorrect contacts, it helps,” Cummings said.

Scott Knight, coach of the Nashua High South football team, held a citywide youth football camp last week in an effort to help prepare kids for their upcoming seasons. The camp was designed to teach kids about the basics, conditioning and mechanics of the game.

This year’s camp was a major success, drawing an attendance that impressed Cummings.

“The attendance jumped dramatically from last year, which I love,” Cummings said. “This year, we really pushed hard with the coaches and getting the word out, and just contacting kids around town.”

As for youth football in general, Lawrence believes both programs have been successful in bringing in interest from all over the city, as well as producing an impressive quality of play.

“Football is definitely heading in the right direction in Nashua,” Lawrence said. “The programs are upgrading and evolving in order to keep up with day-to-day changes, and the level of quality is outstanding.”

Cummings also has a positive outlook for the future of youth football in Nashua.

“We’ve been around a long time,” Cummings said. “I don’t think we’re going anywhere.”

Players who are interested in joining the Force or the Crusaders must register at www.nhyfsc.org/registration.

Those who will eventually attend Nashua South can sign up with the Crusaders at www.nashuacrusaders.com.

Any youths who would attend Nashua North High can join the Force at www.nashuapalforce.com.