MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Gathered at Central Park, kids three- to five-years-old and parents got instructions by coach Mike Devlin on football positions and how to play the game.

Devlin, the Recreation Specialist in Meridian Township, has been coaching Sporties for Shorties in Central Park for the last 16 years.

“This gives the kids the opportunity to learn four different sports, soccer, tee ball, track and field and football, and gives an opportunity for kids to follow directions, have fun playing sports, and exercise their motor skills,” Devlin said.

Aside from enjoying the outdoors with family, the children are able to learn the importance of exercise from an early age,

Devlin taught kids how to kick like a kicker, run like a running back – carrying the ball under the armpit – and how to throw like a quarterback.

Parents also participated in the activities, whether physically playing with the kids or encouraging them on the sides.

"It encourages kids to stay away from TV, from video games for one, which is awesome. And part of the reason we got my son into it was because of a team setting, working with other teams and listening to a coach, and expose them to new things and see what they might like, and get outside and have fun with other kids,” Meridian Township resident and parent Katharine Strobel said.

Throughout the summer, kids will learn four different sports.

Different days and times are available and more information can be found at www.meridian.mi.us on the Parks and Recreation tab.