WESTBROOK – As the football season starts kicking off all over the state, Westbrook Tuffy Football will be starting a new era. Longtime President Louie Lampron has stepped down from that post and has handed the reins to Danielle Higgins.

Higgins, who has two sons that recently graduated the program, has been involved in the league in multiple capacities over the past three years to include secretary and concessions manager.

Higgins knew she had big shoes to fill when replacing Lampron. However, she was up for the challenge. Sunday afternoon Tuffy Football held its first annual meeting for parents to meet the board of directors and coaches. There were fathers manning the grills cooking hot dogs for parents and players alike. If attendance was any indication the event was a huge success. This may become a new Tuffy tradition.

In past years, Westbrook Tuffy Football players have had to purchase their own equipment, including helmets, you can imagine the financial cost to play this sport. With the growing concern for cost, safety and concussion, the Tuffy board decided to provide each player with a brand new SHUTT helmet. Because the board wanted to add a little continuity to the Westbrook football program, they will be purchasing helmets that match the Westbrook Blue Blazes. Now the Tuffy kids will not only be safe but they’ll look good while doing it.

A great addition to the program this season is the new board position, director of coaches. The Tuffy board aptly appointed Jeff Guerette, the high school football coach.

The program is for boys and girls from grades 1-6. Westbrook Tuffy Football currently has one varsity team (grades 5-6) and one JV squad (4-5), and both teams will be coached by longtime resident and former Westbrook player George Apt.

Pee Wee level (grades 1-3) was reduced from three teams to two, which will be lead by coaches Tim Haskell and Andrew Woody.

As Westbrook Tuffy football starts this new era it welcomes new volunteers and players. To get more information on the program go to www.westbrooktuffyfootball.com.

If you are interested in helping this wonderful program grow, contact Jodie Griffith regarding sponsorships or donations. Contact information is available via the website.

Aiden Lamontagne gets fitted for a helmet at Westbrook Tuffy Football’s welcome back event.