Pads, helmets, chin straps and socks went out the door Sunday with about 100 Swampscott Youth Football players.
But today on their first day pounding over Blocksidge Field the players will be in T-shirts, shorts and cleats, says SYF President Scott Faulkner.
The players will don helmets Wednesday, add shoulder pads Thursday, and get their team assignments and practice in full equipment next Monday, he said.
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Preseason practices lead to Opening Day, Sept. 11.
The regular season ends Oct. 30.
Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Sunday was about beginnings.
Parents and their youngsters came to the town pumping station to get fitted for their gear by Faulkner.
One of the earliest arrivals was the Rowe-Cummings family including Shawn Rowe-Cummings, 12, and his younger brother, Jordan, 8.
Jordan is only 8 but this will be his third year on a Swampscott team.
He likes it.
"Just winning — and trying my best," he said, holding his shoulder pads and helmet.
Swampscott has four teams in the Northeast Conference Youth Football League.
The teams are the Gladiators, Crusaders, Spartans and Titans.
The divisions are for players and cheerleaders in grades 1 through 8.
Coaches teach basics and help build character by emphasizing team play and good sportsmanship, Faulkner said.
The foundaton starts today.
The first week players will focus on conditioning and learn about positions and formations and other football staples.
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