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KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- This year, the Northland Catholic Warriors are sporting new gear at games and here at practice.
The Guardian Cap is a soft-shell helmet cover designed to reduce the impact of hits.
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“Anything you can do to reduce the risk of injury is a benefit,” Jason Maki said. “I do know they reduce the risk so much so the NFL mandates them for certain positions. A lot of positions it's not an option, it's a requirement.”
The fifth grade football coach said adding Guardian Caps to the uniform is a no brainer.
Maki heard concerns from parents about moving from flag football to tackle. So, he thought getting Guardian Caps in the game was a good idea.
There are about 120 athletes in the youth program.
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Maki said each guardian cap cost $75.
They raised more than $7,800. He said that's enough to purchase a Guardian Cap for each 5th – 8th grade player who wanted one.
“I think it's great. It gives the parents confidence in keeping them safe, and I think it gives the kids confidence, especially as they transition from flag to tackle football,” Dad David Barth said. “Keeping their heads safe and hoping to prevent concussions is what we're after.”
Barth believes this equipment gives parents confidence in kids' safety. It's also a hit with the athletes.
“I felt safer,” 10-year-old Harrison Barth, “So I wouldn't get concussions.”
“I feel it’s great for the team,” 10-year-old Finnegan Maki said, “and number one for the players, but great for the team.”
Maki said these the Guardian Caps also lower the temperature of the helmet by 20 degrees.
Barth encourages other teams to jump at securing this equipment for their athletes.
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“It's a small cost to protect your child for the long term,” Barth said, “and if they're going to continue to play, giving them a safe environment is what we're after.”
Maki said they exceeded their fundraising goal. So, the program will use the remaining funds to refresh other safety equipment for the program.
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