The new year has launched and for Bridgeport Parks and Recreation, that means it’s youth wrestling season.

 

The league is open to area kids ages 5 to 15, teaching skills and techniques and offering opportunity to compete in local wrestling tournaments. Starting this week, three-a-week practices – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - will be held at the Bridgeport High School field house.

 

“Our program consists primarily of those Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday training sessions,” said Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Joe Shuttleworth. “There are many tournaments that they attend as a group, but those are separate.”

 

Registration began after an informational meeting was held in November. This year’s numbers are slightly down, but there is still good interest in the league, Shuttleworth said.

 

“We get some kids who wait until after football and fall sports are over to join, but they can join at any time,” he said.

Shuttleworth encourages children to get involved for many reasons.

 

“Physical benefits include balance, quickness, body positioning, body awareness, strength and flexibility,” he said. “Otherwise, it is great at teaching discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship and it’s a great program that builds skills useful in other sports as well, such as football.”

Shuttleworth said he is fortunate to have a dedicated group of coaches and parents who lead the program.

 

“They are all accomplished wrestlers themselves and bring great energy and dedication to the program,” he said. “The parents have been extremely pleased with the program.”

 

With Bridgeport Middle School also hosting a wrestling program, the combined programs are building a great feeder system for Bridgeport High School, Shuttleworth said.

 

“I believe the results of the feeder system are starting to show at the high school level,” he said.

 

Access a registration form with additional information HERE.