AZ Gunslingers Football Academy hosts youth punt, pass and kick event

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - One of Yuma County’s most accomplished football coaches is starting a new chapter by giving back to young athletes. Former Yuma Catholic High School head coach and current school president Rhett Stallworth recently launched the AZ Gunslingers Football Academy and hosted a punt, pass, and kick event for local youth at Yuma Catholic.

The event included athletes ages 9-17, who were divided into groups by age. Along with the punt, pass, and kick competition, participants also took part in a quarterback challenge and a wide receiver challenge.

The academy is a nonprofit, with money raised going toward scholarships for players who want to continue playing football at the lower college levels.

"Something for the kids to have fun," said Stallworth. "We've got trophies for the top three in all categories and just an opportunity for the kids to come out and compete. The goal is to raise enough money that we can have a panel and select five or six kids a year to give them a couple thousand extra dollars to go to school and help them on their journey to continue their education and continue to play football."

More than 60 kids competed in the first event, and Stallworth said it could become a biannual event in the future.

You can find more information about AZ Gunslingers Football Academy here.