At least six teams will lace them up today and take the field to help raise money for Northwest Escambia Football and Cheerleading.

NWE Board Member and event organizer Patrick Boone said the proceeds from the team fees of $150 each will go to projects to help update the football field and buy equipment.

The organization recently bought 10 new helmets as well as shoulder and made renovations to the concession stand by adding vinyl siding. In addition the group has contracted out to TruGreen for $1,200 to improve field conditions and remove clover that had been encroaching on the grass, Boone said.

“We’re doing what we can to revamp it,” Boone said. “It’s starting to look like a football field.”

The six teams participating are all local, Boone said, with players from Atmore, Walnut Hill and Bratt taking part. The double elimination, winner and loser bracket style tournament will begin and 10 a.m. and end at around 8 p.m. with teams playing on two fields simultaneously.

“We’re looking for it to be an all-day event,” Boone said.

The tournament will also feature a full concession stand with proceeds benefiting NWE football as well.

Today is the last signup day for NWE football. It will be held from 8 a.m. to noon and Nadine McCaw Park in Century. Fees for football total $110, while cheerleading costs $95.

The age groups for football are as follows: 4 to 5 years old is freshman, 7 to 8 is sophomores, 9 to 10 is juniors and 11 to 12 is seniors. Age groups for cheerleaders are as follows: 4 to 6 freshman, 7 to 8 sophomores, 9 to 10 juniors and 11-12 seniors.
Practice begins Aug. 1.