In football, like any other sport, learning the fundamentals are the keys to any team's success. So three years ago when Barney Dellaquilla took over as head coach of the Hicksville High School football team, he knew he had his work cut out for him. He was alluding to the fact that for nearly two decades the town of Hicksville had been void of a youth football program.

"I was seeing kids come in here not knowing how to put on a pair of shoulder pads, while some didn't even know what a three point stance was," said Dellaquilla. Although his team was able to post an impressive 6-1-1 record last season, Dellaquilla knows the importance of a Little League system and what it would bring to future programs.

While long gone are the days when a sea of kids could be spotted playing organized football, Hicksville has recently experienced a resurgence in the sport. Thanks to cooperative efforts of Assistant Parks Commissioner Rob Walker, along with Kim and Mike Torrellas, youth football is alive and kicking in Hicksville again.

"Without Rob this whole thing doesn't happen," said Mike Torrellas. "He did a lot of leg work to get us the fields and his mailing of literature pertaining to the league helped us immensely."

The program, known as the Hicksville Crusaders Football Club, has been around before. In 1978, longtime Hicksville resident Joe Spinosa founded the first Crusaders team after realizing many kids weren't getting enough playing time in other leagues. "We had a philosophy that all of the kids should get a chance to play," said Spinosa. "No one learns anything when they sit on the bench."

As far as why there was a fallout of the sport in Hicksville, Spinosa said, "I think there was a big move towards soccer at the time and to tell you the truth it takes a lot of dedication and money to make it work."

The Torrellas, both Hicksville alumni who played football themselves, understand this well and are hoping Walker's affiliation with other town leaders will aid them in their cause.

"Right now, I'm doing all I can to help the movement" said Walker. "Being a former player, I realize how much fun this game is and how important it is for Hicksville to have its own team." Walker, who is presently looking for more fields for the club to play on, is also excited to announce the proposal of building a new community center in Hicksville. "It's just another way we are helping out our teams in order to keep kids playing in Hicksville," he said.

In previous years when no league was available, many kids from Hicksville were forced to join programs from other towns. "It was disturbing seeing all of our children playing in Levittown or Syosset when we live in a town so rich in sports tradition," said Torrellas.

Al Ciaccio, well-known throughout the Hicksville area for his coaching abilities, can understand the problems that come with forming a new league. Several years ago he also formed a team in Hicksville which lasted only one season. When he was unfairly entered into the toughest division in the North Shore and given little help from the community, his chances for a successful program were hindered.

"We were playing strong teams from large towns and getting blown out every game. It took away a lot of the morale of the team, but I thought it was important to take pride in Hicksville and have our own squad," said Ciaccio. "Believe it or not, there are always some people who want you to fail in these endeavors. My word of advice to the new league officials would be to make sure you stay strong and have everyone stay together on one page."

Boys aren't the only children benefiting from the football experience either. Gina Ferrara and her daughter, Dana, have been able to assemble one of the most talented and spirited cheerleading squads in all of Nassau. With their flying kicks and roaring cheers the Crusaders have been well-supported at all the games.

Starting a new league can have its rocky moments, but the overwhelming response towards bringing back the Crusaders has been positive. "I think it's great that they are doing this," said Spinosa. "You always remember your experiences playing football as a kid. There's something special about wearing that equipment and having the camaraderie of your teammates. You can't get that in any other sport."

Although football has been well known to build the character and confidence in many of its players, the league will have to overcome the stigmas usually associated with the sport. While some parents may feel that their children can get hurt playing football, many are unaware that more injuries occur on the soccer and baseball fields every year. In fact, after four games this year, no serious injuries have been reported to date.

"We look after the kids and more and more quality people are coming out to coach," said Torrellas.

When the first ball was snapped this season the Crusaders were fielding only two squads (5- and 6-year-olds and 10- and 11-year-olds). However, many people were unaware of the team's existence or were already committed to other leagues by the start of the summer. So expectations are high for next year's registration, with anticipation of more Hicksville kids swinging back over to the Crusaders program.

"We have to let people know we are going to be here for the long run, not just for a quick season or two," said Torrellas.

Meanwhile, with the expansion of any organization comes the daunting task of raising funds to keep it strong, said Walker. "We are working on finding the Crusaders some sponsors," he said. "Equipment can be expensive along with insurance and permits but it will be worth it."

Support for the teams will undoubtedly have to come from the community as well and the league is hoping that the town will come out and help at local fundraisers. Some proud sponsors of the league include Crossroads Restaurant, Uncle Harry's Trophies & Plaques, Long Island Balloons, Alante Securities Group and Worldwide Medical & Laboratory International, Green Point Savings Bank, Mr. Sausage, Dunrite, Boars Head, Chock Full O' Nuts, Sign Depot, Thrifty Beverage, Sunrise Sports and GVS NY for donating their doctor's scale.

The Hicksville Crusaders Football Club provides kids with the opportunity to enjoy the sport right in their own backyard. Anyone interested in helping is welcome. For more information, contact Mike Torrellas at 822-1289.