Play time won’t cost a dime for Coachella youth football league

Dressed like the pros, dozens of kids suited up on Monday in black and silver. No, the young studs aren’t from Oakland. They’re the Coachella Raiders.

“We practice hard, we do drills right and run good,” said 9-year-old Julian Magana.

For the past 16 years, Coach Donnie Thompson says far too many football hopefuls in the city have had to watch from the sidelines. That’s because of a $250 entry fee.

“That’s like a car payment!” said Adeline Zazueta, of Coachella.

“For a parent not to be able to afford that, it’s hard. It’s very hard,” said Delila Magana, of Indio.

That’s all about to change this season. An anonymous donor is covering the costs for all new players and says the more kids, the better.

“We asked, ‘What if we get 100 kids?’ He said, ‘Get 100 kids! I’ll pay for 100. As many kids you can get, I’ll pay for,'” said Coach Thompson.

Now for any local kids, ages seven to 14 wanting to go head-to-head on the field, that playing fee is no longer an issue.

“Money’s no excuse. If you want to play football, you can come play totally free,” said Thompson.

Parents and coaches hope guaranteed playing time will help keep these players focused and off the streets.

“He’s more active … He loves football and he’s doing something he likes,” said Zazueta about her son Sean.

“We teach them sportsmanship; right from wrong. And teach them to be a team,” said Thompson.

Come game day in September, Julian says when it’s time for kickoff, “The Coachella Raiders will smoke that game.”

It’s not too late to sign up. The Coachella Raiders will be accepting player applications for the next two weeks.

Anyone wanting to participate this season can register at practice, which is held at Bagdouma Park in Coachella, Monday through Thursday, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Register online at cvraiders.org