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The Wasco Bengals Football league is once again ready to kick off the new season, recruiting youth ages 6-14.

The organization's mission is to cultivate and inspire a spirit of excellence.

"We strive to bring our community closer together through a common interest in citizenship and in character," Wasco Bengals Football Area Representative Gonzalo Cruz said. "We hope to impart the timeless values of sportsmanship, sacrifice, accountability and safety for the overall success of our young people. Most importantly, we want to provide a safe place for them to grow and learn."

The season starts in mid-August, and tryouts take place in April.

"We will be hosting multiple days of tryouts to reach as many kids as possible," Cruz said.

Tryouts will take place on Sunday, April 3, from 2-4 p.m., and on Tuesday, April 5, and Thursday, April 7, from 6-7:30 p.m. All will be held at Palm Avenue School.

"We require only one day of tryouts, but we invite them to come out to all three. With each tryout event, they can train and be stronger in their game, increasing their chances of being selected," Cruz said. "The first thing we are looking for is heart, someone who loves the sport, which is one of the bigger aspects of the game."

Cruz said work ethic is very important to the team.

"One needs to have a hard work ethic and be willing to give all you can. We are also looking for athleticism, approachability and kids who are eager to learn and be teachable," Cruz said. "We plan to impart young people with life skills they can carry throughout their lives, teaching them accountability as individuals and team members."

Veronica Jacuinde | Wasco Tribune

Wasco Bengals Football Area Representative Gonzalo Cruz and team

"We are empowering them to achieve anything they put their minds to. Academics are a big part of the program as we encourage them to be great on and off the field, guiding them to work just as hard in their studies. This is a way to get them ready for high school, college and beyond," freshman head coach Raul Gutierrez said. "Through football, we build character and confidence, helping them develop into well-rounded kids. Our main goal is to have fun while instilling discipline and responsibility in them."

"Our team of coaches brings more than 30 years of experience in football. We believe we can make a real difference in their lives and encourage any athlete willing to take on a new challenge. We are open to both boys and girls," Cruz said.

The program encourages all Wasco elementary and junior high students to join the team.

"This is an opportunity for those that don't know the sport to come out and try something new. They don't know what they are missing until they give it a shot," Cruz said.

Call 661-292-0017 or find them on Facebook at Wasco Bengals Football for more information.