By Trent Modglin

Thank you Park Ridge football!

My family moved to Park Ridge from Chicago two and a half years ago, and to say we’re thankful for our choice of suburbs would be a major understatement. Honestly, we can’t imagine being anywhere else.

The community, the school district, the quaint Uptown, our neighbors and other families we’ve gotten to know, the proximity to the city, etc. And this past fall, I discovered one more reason to be appreciative — the Park Ridge Football and Cheer Club.

Other than watching games on TV with me or throwing the football around in the yard or at Southwest Park, this was my second-grader’s first experience with organized football. And it could not have gone better.

I was well aware of how extensive (and popular) the Park Ridge youth football program is, but I also realized — upon closer inspection — that it’s a perfect representation of the community itself.

I was well aware of how extensive (and popular) the Park Ridge youth football program is, but I also realized, upon closer inspection, that it’s a perfect representation of the community itself. Welcoming, fun, well-organized and consistent. So many people want to be a part of the local football experience — from youth flag leagues to the Falcons’ traveling teams to Maine South’s proud varsity program — and for good reason.

Not only did my son get to play a new sport with a few good buddies from school, but he made 10 new friends from nearby St. Juliana as well. And as an assistant coach, I became friends with the four other dads who helped run the show, bonding over a sport we love, helping our kids learn the game, teaching a few life lessons, and having one heck of a good time along the way.

And honestly, what’s better than that? Trust me, there’s more than one person in this household who can’t wait for the next season to start.