"Family Football Night" Set for Aug. 25 at John J. Burns Park
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Are you ready for some football? If so, then come to "Family Football Night" at John J. Burns Town Park in Massapequa on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. Football fans are sure to enjoy the event, which features a collegiate scrimmage of the LIU Post Pioneers.
"This is a great event where football fans are close to the action," Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto said. "LIU Post has many talented players and it's very impressive to watch the team's knowledgeable coaches, led by Head Coach Bryan Collins, work with the players during a scrimmage. It's a unique perspective that everyday fans don't get a chance to see on television."
Admission will be free for town residents, but all attendees are encouraged to bring two cans of food, which will be donated to Island Harvest to benefit the fight against hunger. The event will be preceded by a youth clinic, which is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Players and coaches from LIU Post will instruct youth football players on proper and safe tackling techniques. "The student-athletes on the LIU Post football team serve as true role models for the many young players in attendance," Supervisor Venditto said. "Perhaps one day, these youngsters will also be able to further their academics though athletics." There will also be a barbeque following the scrimmage where youth players will have an opportunity to speak with the LIU players and coaches and receive autographs.
"This scrimmage is always a fun night for the players and I know the team is looking forward to coming to John J, Burns Park in Massapequa for this year's event," LIU Post Head Coach Bryan Collins said. "This is an important night for our team as we prepare for the season."
Last season, the Pioneers finished with a record of 8-4 and made their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament in nearly ten years. This year, they are looking to build on that success.
"The Town of Oyster Bay is pleased to support the sport of football, which is extremely popular in the Town of Oyster Bay as it is throughout the country," said Supervisor Venditto. "It's great to have an outstanding college team like LIU Post playing on one of our fields. The Town of Oyster Bay has been acclaimed for having some of the finest parks in the nation, and that is further supported by having LIU Post hold a scrimmage at John J. Burns Park. The young athletes who play on our fields are thrilled that they play on the same facilities as those who may someday play professionally."
John J. Burns Park is located at 5158 Merrick Road in Massapequa.