n Saturday, the NY Sharks braintrust tried to answer the question of could they turn 41 young girls into hard nosed football players. Well, the answer was no, but then again, what can you expect in one day. Instead everyone had a great time while picking up a few pointers on how to play football.

The day started early for the young football hopefuls. Mini-camp started at 9am at Cow Meadow Park on Long Island. Car loads of girls came with their parents and even a bus load from Mount Vernon came to the camp. The weather was cold and windy and there were even a few snow flakes in the air.

The girl’s mini-camp was named after popular Sharks player Sharon Pascale who died in an automobile accident on Christmas Day. The girls arriving at the mini-camp ranged in age from 9 to 18 years of age. They each received a Sharks t-shirt as well as a free pass to a Sharks home game.

At 9am, mini-camp started by having the girls go through the same warm-up exercises that the Sharks go through. Led by over a dozen Shark players, the girls did stretching exercises as well as jumping jacks. Next were the obstacle course where each girl ran through a few times.

The girls were then divided into groups depending on their age. With each group being led by a different Shark player, the girls were taught the finer parts of football. They learning blocking techniques, how to throw a football, the proper way to catch a pass, and even the different stances a player goes into when they step up to the line of scrimmage.

At noon time, everyone took a break. Pizza and juice were served as the girls and the Shark players ate lunch together. Joining the lunch crowd was the New York Sharks team mascot, who seemed to attract the younger set.

Another New York area football team helped out with the mini-camp. Personnel from the arena football team, the New York Dragons came by to lend a hand. Coach John Gregory stopped by as well as kicker Bruce Rienecker. Bruce provided tips on place kicking and then gave an impressive demonstration, booming the ball across the field.

To practice what they had just learned, the girls then played a little flag football. Sharks head coach Nick Giannatasio helped out and in this picture is calling a play for his team.

After the game, a passing contest was held. Each girl would get 6 chances to throw a football at a target. The target was a board with the Sharks logo on it but with the mouth cut-out. Prizes were awarded for the girls who got the most through the Shark’s mouth.

By 3pm, the mini-camp was over. Many girls went over to the Sharks players and had their t-shirts autographed or just to talk with their favorite player. The girls went home happy but the Sharks had to stick around as the start of football practice for them was just beginning.

If you missed this girl’s mini-camp, the Sharks are planning on holding another one in August. Just add your name to our e-mail list and you will be notified when we have more information. Or you can contact Sharks general manager Crystal Turpin by e-mail at: crystal@nysharksfootball.comor by phone at: 646-552-5798.