Camp Develops Future Football Talent

football coach Dan Sabella held his fifth annual Paramus Football Camp earlier this month at the high school.

Second through eighth graders participated in various position specific drills, working on ball carrying, footwork, agility, passing and blocking.

“It’s a process,” Sabella said, “and we’re still trying to build football up in this town.

“I think we’ve made some strides over the last five years,” the coach added. “We still have a ways to go as far as building it up and making this sport really important in this town."

More than 70 kids attended the camp—many of whom attended in past years, as well.

“It’s growing every year,” said Robert Kaiser, one of the Paramus Recreational football coaches. “Every year I look forward to it.

The athletes look forward to the camp too.

“I like it a lot because it’s really good fundamentals the coaches teach you,” said Brian Bonino, 12, a fifth-year camper.

Bonino, who plays fullback and middle linebacker at the recreation level, thinks the camp has made him a better all-around football player.

“It [the camp] gives them a head start on what’s expected of them and what they need to do at the high school level,” said Scott Jacob, who coaches at the recreation level. “It’s a great foundation, a stepping stone.”

Sabella enjoyed being able to use George W. Hodgins Field and having the kids participate in the drills on the still relatively new turf.

“[It’s] got to be one of the nicest facilities in the state,” Sabella said. “It’s gorgeous. The kids love being up here. It’s a little hot—that’s the only negative to it.”

Sabella credited his “tremendous” staff that included his coaching staff, current players, recreation coaches and former Don Bosco Prep standout Marquise Liverpool.

“I’m excited to be here working with the kids and teaching them what I know,” Liverpool said.

Phil Tilearcio, a rising eighth grader and second year camper, revealed his favorite part of the camp.

 “The coaches,” he said. “The coaching staff is great.”

Matthew Field, 7, also a second-year camper, enjoyed working with the older kids and the coaching staff. Field, a quarterback and defensive lineman at the rec level, especially enjoyed the quarterbacking drills and working with receivers.

“This is what makes me tick,” said Sabella on his love of football. “This is what it’s all about—I love it.”