For the first time in more than 30 years, youth tackle football is on the cusp of returning to Malibu.
Not since the days of the Malibu Mustangs has the city embraced the most popular sport in America. Determined and inspired to see youth tackle football thrive in the Malibu community, resident Michael Bonewitz has spearheaded the effort to bring the Malibu Sharkies to the gridiron.
“I’m very excited. Right now it’s a lot of work putting it together,” said Bonewitz, who will serve as president of the program, a nonprofit organization. “I’m looking forward to seeing these boys on the field. That’s when it will be really fun. I think the parents and the kids are all going to love it. It’s going to be a great time.”
The Malibu Sharkies welcome any young child between the ages of 6 and 14. Currently, Bonewitz has enough players to field two teams. His goal is to have at least three teams with 20 players on each roster.
Bonewitz has received tremendous support from Malibu High football coach Ray Humphrey. The Sharkies would serve as a feeder program for MHS, enabling Humphrey to add valuable depth and experience to his high school program.
“I’m working to fill a gap that I saw in the youth program here in Malibu,” Bonewitz said. “I’m also doing it to provide the access and opportunity for the kids to enjoy the ultimate team sport. I’m going to make this happen.”
Safety will be of utmost concern for Bonewitz. All coaches will be “Heads Up” and CPR certified. Additionally, there will be “Medics on the Ball” at every game.
“Safety, fun and life lessons. Those are my three goals,” Bonewitz said.
Former Atlanta Falcons and Malibu Mustangs quarterback Perry Klein will host a free football clinic at the Malibu High football field on April 18 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Walk-in registration will be available to the public on May 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bluffs Park. Registration is $375 and a $250 refundable security deposit is required.
The Sharkies will either be members of the Pacific Youth Football League or the Gold Coast Youth Football League. The safest distribution of players based upon age and weight will determine which league to play in.
The 2014 season would tentatively begin in August, with games played at MHS on Saturdays in the fall. More than 30 kids have already committed, including Bonewitz’s son, True.
“I want to play tackle football because I’ve been waiting a really long time,” True, 10, said. “I’ve watched all the high school games and I’ve played flag football for two years.”
The Malibu Times caught up with Michael Bonewitz recently to discuss the creation of the Malibu Sharkies.
What are the benefits for children who play youth football?
Football teaches life skills and is a powerful character-building experience. Because it’s a contact sport, it builds self-confidence in any player regardless of their size. Other qualities of character that football enhances are teamwork, leadership, respect and self-discipline. Another benefit is sportsmanship and how to take the wins with the losses and to give your best effort at all times.
How will this bring the Malibu community together?
A football program like this is about more than football. We plan to add cheer as well, and football games are great social gathering events too. Malibu football is here to give our Malibu kids a chance to experience the game and give our community a center to rally around.
Will it be tough for the kids who are playing for the first time?
At this age most kids are first-timers, so they are all starting at square one. An important technique our coaches will use is the slow scaling up of contact over time, so that the kids enjoy it and never experience a sudden shock.
What are Malibu youth football’s immediate needs and steps to success?
Of paramount importance is kids coming out to the free clinic with Perry Klein and signing up. We have met our minimums and it would be great to have more depth on the bench and spread the fun. After that community support is always wonderful, whether sponsoring, donating or volunteering. I am confident that this program will be a success.
For more information, visit malibuyouthfootball.com.