MONTEREY PARK - Fall might already be right around the corner and what better way for your kids to learn discipline while having fun than by joining Xtreme Youth Football and Cheer.

Xtreme Youth Football and Cheer - known as the Montebello Xtreme - is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The kids practice at Garvey Ranch Park in Monterey Park, play their games at Montebello High and accept all kids from surrounding neighborhoods, like Rosemead, Alhambra, East Los Angeles, San Gabriel and the like - with no cuts and no tryouts.

Coach Robert Alvarez said the team plays other teams in Whittier, Lynwood, Gardena, Santa Monica and all points south and west of the western San Gabriel Valley.

Melinda Vasquez, vice president of the team who was a board member in its first year of existence, said the kids get a lot out of joining their league.

"It teaches them sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline," Vasquez said. "It teaches them how to be gracious losers.

"What stands out in our conference is the competition. The majority of the cities we play against, the boys are tough and are ready for high school ball when the time comes. They're starting to learn what to expect."

And is it dangerous for the boys to be playing football at such a young age?

"It can be dangerous if you're not taught the right way, the proper techniques," Vasquez said. "It's really not much more dangerous than any other sport."

Cheer squads are also available for the girls.

"It also helps to break them out of their shyness," Alvarez said of the girls participating in cheer.

Add Vasquez: "It also gives them confidence because they're sometimes competing in front of hundreds of people."

In addition, Alvarez said the group's cheer teams have done very well in past years.

"They also compete in a national cheerleading competition, usually in February in Las Vegas," he said. "We've had teams place at regionals the past three or four years to go onto nationals in Las Vegas."

The final two registrations will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 10 and 17 at Vons, located at 804 West Beverly Boulevard in Montebello, and Walmart, located at 1827 Walnut Grove Avenue in Rosemead.

The prices are $90 for cheer for kids ages 5 to 14 and the fee does not include the uniform, $90 for flag football for kids ages 5 to 7 and $165 for tackle football for kids ages 7 to 14 and who are not in high school.

The requirements are a birth certificate, current utility bill, report card from this month, a 1-inch by 1-inch recent picture, passing a physical and a deposit. In addition, originals and three copies of each document are required.

The first practice will be on Aug. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. and will be five days a week in August and three days a week once school resumes. Garvey Ranch Park is located at 781 South Orange Street in Monterey Park.

Adult volunteers and coaches are also wanted and will be fingerprinted. They must also be First Aid and CPR certified.

For additional information, call (323) 798-8340, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or go to the website, which is www.eteamz.com/goxtreme.

(Shel Segal can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .)