Parkville celebrates kids, Tony Gallo during annual award ceremony

It was a touchdown for local football youths.

The Parkville Youth Organization, which was recently renamed the Parkville Tony Gallo Full Tackle Football Program, held its annual award ceremony on Saturday, December 9.

Held this year at Sirico’s Caterers, 8023 13th Avenue, kids of all different ages and skill-sets joined their family, elected officials and teammates to celebrate the end of another successful season.

“It was terrific and Siricio’s did a great job. We gave out all the trophies,” said Parkville Executive Director of Public Relations Bob Cavaliere. “We had [Assemblymember] Peter Abate, [Councilmember] Vincent Gentile, [Councilmember] Mark Treyger and [State Senator] Marty Golden attend. They always make the day. They speak well and get the kids all revved up and it’s really nice. It was a good feeling. Everyone felt really close. All the parents and grandparents. We gave out a lot of awards. The kids were very happy and respectful this year. It was a great time. Everyone enjoyed themselves.”

This year’s iteration held special meaning as it was the first award ceremony without Tony Gallo, who died this past summer.

“He ran our football program for the last 20 to 25 years and he passed away this summer of cancer,” he said. “Football was his love. He had a passion for it. He taught it, refereed it, and coached it. He watched football no matter who was playing. So we named the program after him.”

They also named a trophy after him.

“We also named the memorial award after him and gave it away from the very first time. It was really touching,” Cavaliere added. “We mentioned him and everybody knew and loved him. They trusted him on the field with their children. If your child was out on the field and he was there refereeing, they knew they were in good shape.”

Cavaliere and company are already planning next year’s season on the gridiron.

“We finished with another year and we are already talking about next year and how to improve,” he said. “We have to do something new because the neighborhood is changing so much.”