The event began at 9 a.m., with all six NUAYFA teams scrimmaging each other. Friends, family and fans flocked to the football fields with umbrellas and tents on hand in preparation of potential rain or storms, which rolled in on the event around 10:45 a.m.

NUAYFA Board President Butch Dwyer said the area’s youth teams, consisting of fifth- and sixth-graders, typically practice and play at the New Ulm Middle School football fields. But a new location was wanted for this special event, which saw the New Ulm Hy-Vee selling brats, burgers, chips, cookies and drinks.

The Rêve Coffee Co. truck was also on hand, offering fans the chance to sip on hot coffee while watching the event, which was sponsored by Bank Midwest, unfold.

The teams also came decked out in all-new jerseys and helmets, something Dwyer said was made possible thanks to numerous sponsor donations. The jerseys in particular were sponsored by 3M.

Staff photo by Travis Rosenau Cole Jensen (30) of Team 6 runs the ball alongside teammate EJ Lamecker (52) during a scrimmage at New Ulm Area Youth Football Association’s first-ever Football Jamboree on Saturday at Harman Park.

“Helmets are insanely expensive, relative to what we charge for registration, at least,” Dwyer said. “We started going to businesses around 2020, it was when COVID was going on and times were tough, but I don’t know if we had any business say no to any donation, so we couldn’t have asked for more support from local businesses.”

After a slew of scrimmages, the teams came together to compete in a relay event, which allowed every player the chance to get their hands on the football and show off their agility.

Dwyer said that the ultimate goal of the Jamboree was to get kids more excited about football as they build a future in the sport.

Kayla Ruch, one of 11 NUAYFA board members, added that the event was also a chance to bring the area football community closer.

“And to build that culture and community around football,” Ruch said. “Let the kids hang out and get to know each other a little bit other than on the field — where they can hang out today and their families can hang out.”

Staff photo by Travis Rosenau Team 4’s Trenton Gitter (95) runs the ball during a relay event at the New Ulm Area Youth Football Association’s first-ever Football Jamboree on Saturday at Harman Park.

NUAYFA typically runs a six-week season, with two practices during the week and games each Saturday. Saturday’s Jamboree saw a “slant route” in the game action, however, as half-hour blocks allowed each team to get in multiple quick games against each other and the relay event.

Dwyer also thanked the volunteers, including New Ulm’s high school football teams, for helping with games and the Jamboree.

Staff photo by Travis Rosenau From left to right, New Ulm Area Youth Football Assocation President Butch Dwyer, along with 3M reps Ian Nicacio and Joe Ibberson pose for a photo with a 3M sponsored jersey, signed by area youth players on Saturday at Harman Park. Ibberson is also a board member with the NUAYFA.