A Minnesota Community goes all-in to do things the right way...

While a good time was had by all of the players there was no shortage of enjoyment from the parents in attendance:

"The Parent Informational Session is one of the best things any parent can go to who has a child that wants to play football. Not only do the speakers know what they're talking about, but you can ask questions and they'll help in any way. It really helps to learn from someone, like Buddy Curry, who has played and been through it before. I would strongly urge any parent to go attend one of these sessions. It is not a waste of their time."

Thoughts on the Heads Up Football Clinic:

"I would strongly advise anybody whose child wants to play football to come out to these clinics because their kids will be learning from professionals and they'll be learning the right way to practice.  Any time you are dealing with a sport like this, to learn the right way to do it is by far the best way to do it."

"This football clinic was great for the kids!  Having real leaders the kids can look up to and learn from -- look, they are actually paying attention, and applying what they are learning.   It's awesome, and so great for the community!

Alanna Flanagan

Grandmother

1st time football player -9 yr

Fannin County Rec Dept.

"What a great way to pull the community together!"   Opportunities like this let kids try a new team sport, and opens a door --- as well as  gives kids confidence.   It's  great to see the former NFL players out there, as role models , showing the kids that if you dream big, anything is possible!   My son wanted to play since he was 3. Thanks, Atlanta Falcons, for coming out here and hosting this  free clinic, and allowing the kids to experience being part of NFL.

I guarantee you that 95 % of these kids will be wearing these t-shirts at school tomorrow!"

Julie Chancey

Blue Ridge, GA

6 yr son

"This is my son's favorite sport-- he would play all year round, if he could."  My advice to new football Moms is to "be ready for 1st big hit"--and the rest is all down hill.    This clinic was a great opportunity for these children, in our small community… thank you, Atlanta Falcons, they are having a blast!

Tina Hayes

8 year old son, Zachary

Copper Hill

"Tonight's clinic will give my son the opportunity to learn new skills and fundamentals, watching him out there playing w friends -- he is having a blast.   I was a nervous wreck, when he first started playing but I learned very quickly--- When in doubt, pull him out!  Thank you for coming to our community--hope you will be here next year!

Julie Falls

8 yrs old

Copper Hill

"I told my son that he could not play football for several years, finally, I said yes this year… he really wanted to play, so I didn't want him to miss out --He's 8 yrs old this year.   Of course, I still have some apprehension, but it's events like these that put me at easy a bit, seeing the knowledge he's gained and the experience he's gained through these type of events about football. 

My son knew nothing about Football last season, so he's made great strides.  I really like the benefits of sports-- so I think apprehension can be a good thing to help us parents  stay on our toes, too -- so son or daughter more prepared. "

"Thank you Atlanta Falcons for bringing this event to Blue Ridge --

not only are we all learning about football safety and standards, quite honestly, the clinic is a motivator to the community as well.  The kids look up to the NFL players, they get to learn tips directly from them, an experience you really can't get anywhere else--these NFL players have been there and done it -- and the kids really listen to them!

Maureen Bloch

Mom

8 yr old

Fannin County Rec Dept.

While NGYFA Rules state that agencies with more than 35 players in a single age group must split into two separate teams- some agencies split before that.  Splitting into two teams is not just about splitting players equally, it's about splitting coaches, and often times, affecting the ability of an age group to compete for a championship.

This dilemma creates a divide among coaches when considering present vs. future needs.  Coaches are split between "weeding out" less physically gifted or less committed players and encouraging all who sign up to stick around.  No coach has a crystal ball to identify high school contributors with 100% accuracy at the youth level.

So what is our primary mission as youth coaches?  As far as I am concerned it is:

1) Player Safety – not just here and now but ongoing safety.  The importance of teaching a player to use proper technique when tackling to limit future concussions, or even spinal cord injury at a higher level, cannot be understated. If a player learns proper technique from the start they never develop the bad habits which could eventually hurt them. Preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and as important, learning how to treat them when they occur, should be at the top of every football coaches list.

2) Fundamentals - Whatever you consider the fundamentals to be: stance, position responsibilities, work ethic, footwork- teaching these skills that will translate regardless of system or coach are certainly important.

3) Love of the Game – As youth coaches we are ambassadors of the game of football.  We have a LOT to do with how the future of this game will develop or if it will even survive.  I contend that the more kids that love to play the game of football, the harder it will to get rid of the game.  These kids we coach now will grow up to be attorneys, judges, school administrators, and others that will eventually be the decision makers when those against this sport are able to rally enough support to legislate against the game.

4) Program Building – Would your middle school coach want 16-18 players per grade that won a lot of games, or would the coach prefer to get 30+ players per grade that played a lot of snaps, regardless of what their winning percentage was. 

Let's face it, kids and parents get paid with playing time.  Life lessons and quality instruction are all well and fine, but little Johnny's mom wants to see him running onto the field, a lot.  Little Johnny wants playing time as well.  Diving deeper into this train of thought, is the middle school better off having 1 QB and 2 RB's per grade or are they better off having 2 QB's and 4 RB's?  This only counts the starters on 2 teams to make the example. 

The other thing vital to building a program is fundraising.  Programs need as many revenue streams as possible.  Each player gives the program an opportunity to raise money through their fundraising efforts, as well as their parents' involvement, and their friends.  Every player, on average, adds members to the booster club, revenue at the gate and concessions.

So, before you find yourself hoping your age group doesn't split maybe you should consider the short term cost versus the long term gain if it doesn't split.

Some of the notable attendees were current Atlanta Falcons players Sean Baker, Gabe Carimi and Dominique Davis, Riddell representative Bill Peake and Brian Parker from the Taylor Hooton Foundation

The NGYFA is a certified Heads Up Football League and did a fantastic job assisting with spreading the word about the clinic.  Many parents were intrigued with the information and following the info session asked additional questions to expand their knowledge of supplements, concussion awareness and proper equipment fitting.  Atlanta Falcons players motivated the youth athletes at the beginning of the clinic and did a great job instructing proper Heads Up Football tackling techniques.  Once the camp concluded parents, coaches and children expressed gratitude to the Atlanta Falcons players and staff for a fantastic clinic. 

A lot of positive parental feedback occurred throughout the event. "I'm here today to learn how safety is important in pro sports, as well as in youth sports.  I appreciate the Falcons hosting clinics like this one, not only to teach us about safety, but show us how to prevent injuries, both as a coach, and a parent," said Angie McDonald, parent of a 10 year old participating in the clinic.

"Buddy Curry was so motivational --you can tell that he is sincere about what he is teaching and really has a passion for sharing his knowledge of the game with us…especially teaching the proper way to tackle," said Chris Still, father to both 8 and 11 year boys.  "We've listened to a lot of people speak in the past  -- but Buddy was one of the best-- you can tell Buddy really wants to keep you engaged in the conversation, informed, and that he really cared that you were getting the information for your son."

"This clinic takes a proactive approach, to teach parents how to deal with sports safety.  You hear so much about concussion awareness in media -- there was just a story done here in GA about helmet inspections, and how many of the helmets were not up to standards…   I came to this clinic tonight to make sure our association had up-to-date information, and make sure the coaches had up-to-date information to keep the parents informed," said Kim Bennett, mom of a 9 year. "It is great that a professional organization like the Falcons is sharing this cutting edge knowledge, with parents; this type of information was not available years ago, when my first son was going through youth sports (I have an 18 year old and a 9 year old.)   I'm ecstatic that the Falcons made this information available to us."

The next clinic will be on Tuesday, May 13 in Atlanta at the Harland Boys & Girls Club for the first flag football clinic of the year.

Photo by Jason Hales Photography

In 2014 the NGYFA is partnering with Brain Sentry, a relatively new business out of Bethesda, Maryland, to make their technology available at a reduced rate to all NGYFA players.

The Brain Sentry technology has already been adopted by the University of Alabama, LSU, Arizona and several other smaller schools. To date Brain Sentry is the official provider for leagues home to more than 30,000 youth football players.

Through a triaxial acceleration monitor the NOCSAE approved product works to both count and measure the quantity and quality of impacts to a player's helmet over the course of a practice, game and season. The device is entirely self-contained and battery life has been both lab and field tested to be a year or more.

If a player sustains a blow over the device threshold a flashing light pulsates on the back of the device indicating that a coach, parent or trainer should check the athlete for signs of a concussion. If a subsequent blow of equal or greater proportion is encountered the light will blink more quickly indicating greater urgency.

"Brain Sentry has developed an innovative helmet-mounted device that alerts coaches when an athlete suffers a potentially dangerous impact," said Brain Sentry representative, Mike Edison. "We help coaches identify players that should be evaluated for concussion. Our goal is to help prevent further injury…"

While the device carries a $65 retail price tag the NGYFA has negotiated an agreement that makes the devices available to every player for $50. "This is a win-win for the NGYFA and Brain Sentry," said NGYFA Commissioner, Colton Green. "Our goal is to continue educating parents and coaches on how they can make the game safer for their player. Brain Sentry wants to work with youth leagues like us and this year we both hope to maximize the relationship."

For more information on Brain Sentry, its patented device and their technology visit www.brainsentry.com.

This is what the great ones do

One trait that most great players have is each new season they come back better than they were the previous season. This is what separates Peyton Manning and Tom Brady from other quarterbacks. During the season, it can become a grind. Practice and game routines are pretty defined. That makes putting extensive work in certain aspects of a players game challenging.

But during the offseason, players can target certain aspects they want to improve. It's no different for youth athletes. Whether they are spending a few hours per week on the basketball court or are getting prepared to hit the baseball field, there is still opportunity to improve their football game.

It doesn't require as much as you think

A youth player doesn't have to have Peyton Manning's coaches, trainers or facilities to do so. It doesn't take much more than a willingness to do so. Here are 5 simple ways a youth athlete can use the offseason to go from good to great.

Play other sports. I'm a big proponent of youth athletes playing multiple sports. That was one of the best things I did as a kid. Playing multiple sports kept me in shape year round, but it also widened my skill set, which set me apart from the other kids playing just one of those sports.

Play the game for fun. Backyard play is one great way to develop skills. It seems kids today don't play in the backyard or the schoolyard as much as we did. Everything has to be organized. Unorganized play in the backyard or somewhere easy and convenient keeps them around the game and active playing it.

Focus on fitness. I've blocked out one hour per day, five days per week on my calendar for family fitness. During this hour, I take the kids to the gym, to the park or just around the neighborhood to do some type of physical activity. Most of the time it involves their sports, but we also bike ride, walk, run or even play tag. The key is to not allow them to become comfortable being inactive.

Watch some games. Since there won't be any football on TV, you'll have to be creative. If you recorded some of your kid's past season's games then pull them out and watch them. If you have cable TV, you can catch some old games or documentaries about the game of football. Being around the game impacts the mental and emotional part when you can't do the physical.

Do offseason workouts. As your kids get older and more developed it may be time for serious offseason training and workouts. If you aren't skilled enough to do this with them or don't have time, considering a quality and affordable private coach may be the answer. At this stage, you and your kids are really serious about going from good to great.

The offseason is a great time to get better. By taking some simple yet intentional activities you can help your kids do so. It'll make a big difference when the next season comes around.

How do you help our kids get better in the off-season?

Jackie Bledsoe Jr. is a writer, blogger, speaker, husband and sports parent of three. He's played sports for more than 30 years, including the collegiate level, while coaching youth sports for the past nine years. You can read more from Jackie on his blog, JackieBledsoe.com, and connect with him on Twitter (@jbledsoejr).

See more articles at: https://usafootball.com/blogs/

"This is a special event," said USA Football Executive Director, Scott Hallenbeck. "We're working with the NFL to target the largest, most influential leagues in the country. Our goal, in conjunction with the league office and all 32 franchises, is to provide the best education and networking opportunity in the world."

Kicking off Friday evening the event was 48 hours of some of the nation's most well-known football minds such as Marvin Lewis, Merrill Hoge, Jim Tressel, Bill Polian, Rosevelt Colvin and Grant Teaff. "We hope that the impact of the speakers and their message translate back to the community of each attendee," said Evan Lindsey, USA Football Southeast Region Director. "I know it's impacted me."

With opportunities to network with other leagues around the country and connect professionally with USA Football business the opportunity was hard to pass up for many youth league Commissioners. "I had a plan when I left home," said NGYFA Commissioner, Colton Green. "Having recently nailed down agreements with Bonzi and HUDL one of my priorities was to meet directly with those guys to establish a personal relationship prior to the season. In addition, the opportunity to see old friends like Ralph Clinton (Commissioner of Georgia's North Metro Youth Football League) and Gary DelVecchio (USA Football) and meet new friends like Ryan Dana (Utah), Kenny Jones (Alabama) and Kevin Cruz (Lee County, Ga) is something that is always beneficial to people in this business."

"I came with ideas and left with a bucket fool of contacts and tools to make them happen," said Green. "This is an event that I look forward to and certainly one that youth Commissioners are grateful for. We're proud to be a part of USA and realize that the NFL's investment is something everyone can be excited about."

---

Moving into the 2014 season the NGYFA will be able to proudly offer three major upgrades. First, six months of work have finally paid off in finalizing a deal with game film specialist HUDL (www.hudl.com). The NGYFA's deal is financially tiered to encourage maximum participation at the league level. While the tiered deal was part of making it possible the NGYFA was intent on removing all financial obstacles for coaches to have access to HUDL's youth elite package. "Our goal, first, was to make it affordable," said Green. "Every youth team in the NGYFA can have access to their own HUDL account for $49. Last season, the same package was only available through a 10% discount off of retail for $279."

With more and more coaches capitalizing on the benefits of game film the HUDL deal is sure to have an immediate but lasting impact on the NGYFA. "We're only aware of one other youth league that's charted this territory," said HUDL representative Daniel Mickells. "The NGYFA certainly brought some things to our attention that we hadn't made available in existing packages. We're excited to work with their coaches and staff for the 2014 season."

Second, with the NGYFA's adjustment from a per team registration to a per player registration a relationship with USA Football's official online registration provider, Bonzi, became paramount. The NGYFA's goal to transition on a league level to Bonzi's registration platform was driven by the desire to make the registration, team accounting and player data process as easy as possible for parents and park directors and their volunteers. "We'll be looking to register between 6,000 to 6,500 kids this season using the software. Paper isn't a feasible option. My number one priority in this process is ensuring its user-friendly. However, a close second is working to guarantee that our business model is sustainable for years to come," said Green.

While parents and coaches won't ever see a Bonzi webpage Park Directors will be receiving training on a conference level over the next 30 days. "We've booked four webcasts with the folks in Seattle," said Green. "It's February now but by the time everyone blinks we'll all be closing registration and ordering uniforms. We've got to be ready."

Lastly, the NGYFA is focused on using its biggest asset- sustained growth- to the league's advantage. A generation ago parks played internally and, oftentimes, were limited to the resources within their own park. In 2014, the NGYFA has multiple events planned in conjunction with the NFL, Atlanta Falcons, Kids and Pros and Youth Football Coaching specialist Dave Cisar.

Monday, March 3rd Buddy Curry and the Atlanta Falcons are heading to Watkinsville (Oconee County) to lead a youth clinic focusing on teaching youth players Heads Up Football. In addition to the youth component this event will feature a parent aspect where Buddy speaks directly to the parents in attendance, sharing directly with them the impact of Heads Up Football and what USA Football is doing to further the attempt at making a better, safer game.

On July 26th the league will be hosting its first annual NGYFA Coaches Clinic presented by Athens Orthopedic Clinic. The lead speaker will be Dave Cisar (www.winningyouthfootball.com) who will touch on topics ranging from practice organization, installing new defenses in youth football, game day management, building team chemistry and building better running backs. In addition to access to Cisar's cache of knowledge AOC will be presenting information on heat related illnesses and proper injury care for youth football players. Event organizers are working to close the event by incorporating USA Football's Heads Up Training program at the end of the day. "In talking with Buddy Curry (former Falcon and Kids and Pros) and Chris Millman (Atlanta Falcons, Community Program Manager) we're looking to make this a top notch event complete with elite coaching of every aspect of the game," said Green.

The event will be limited to the first 300 NGYFA coaches. Registration will be available in the coming weeks.

Although most parks, parents and coaches are transitioning to baseball or soccer the NGYFA is in the ready position ready to leap into the new season. "There really is no off season," said Green. "Even though we 'finish' before Thanksgiving there really is no 'finish line'."

"With 37 teams in the event this year we had a great time," said NGYFA Cheer Director Stacia Dillin. "The girls did a fantastic job and I know their parents and parks are proud."

The winners for the 2013 season were:

Level 1

5/6U - Jefferson Dragons

7/8U – Flowery Branch Falcons

9/10U - Jefferson Dragons

11/12U – Pickens County (JYSA) Dragons

Level 2

9/10U – Flowery Branch Falcons

11/12U- Chestatee War Eagles

"With the amount of excitement around this event and the increasing interest we really feel like we could see 50 teams in 2014," said NGYFA Commissioner Colton Green. "Until you've been to a competitive cheer event there really is no way to understand how incredible the performances are."

With 130 cheer squads in the NGYFA the ability to launch a first class event will always be on the league's agenda. "We love our girls and they really love to cheer," said Dillin.

"What an eye opening piece," said one board member. "I am blown away that anything like this takes place in our country with kids this young." As Parker conducted his presentation the groans and astonishment were audible around the room. "Scientific data shows us that the average age for sampling an enhancement or supplement is 10.8 years old," said Parker as he detailed a list of common, over the counter products that parents and coaches purchase for kids. "While there is nothing wrong with creatine or protein the amount and frequency can both become toxic." The ability for either to become a 'gateway' drug for other "nutrition store" supplements is increasingly likely.

As Parker outlined the risks and problems with supplements and steroids bought online he emphasized that the supplies bought at any drug store or major retailer should be considered just as dangerous. "The supplement market isn't regulated by the FDA and the risks associated with what is actually being in the bottle not being on the label is astronomical."

For more information about the Taylor Hooton Foundation or their mission please visit them at www.taylorhooton.org.

"It was a great day," said host and Rabun County Parks & Recreation Director, Roy Quilliams. "We thoroughly enjoyed being allowed to host the league's premier event." -and a premier event it was. With more than a dozen vendors and first class facilities the Rabun County Wildcats provided a quality experience for all 14 participating teams and every last fan.

"We knew following last year's host (North Hall Junior Trojans) wouldn't be an easy task but Roy and Adam did a fantastic job with this event," said NGYFA Commissioner Colton Green. "They left no stone unturned and really made everyone feel at home."

• On the field the action was hard hitting and fierce as the 6u division started the day with #1 Rabun County knocking off #2 Flowery Branch Longley 26-8.
• The 7u division saw another new champion as well with Flowery Branch Thompson going nearly wire to wire as the #1 and knocking off the much-improved and upstart #6 Lumpkin County Indians 22-8 in a game that was much, much closer than the score indicates.
• The 8u division was perhaps the most exciting of the day as the Coach Bryan Hammond's #1Chestatee War Eagles needed overtime and a spectacular 4^th and goal play to knock off #3 Rabun County 18-12.
• The 9u division saw the familiar #1 Jefferson Dragons push their unbeaten and unscored on streak to 22 games with a 12-0 win over #2 Flowery Branch O'Brien. Although short of the all-time consecutive wins mark the Dragons have extended their own previous record of consecutive shutouts.
• The 10u division provided a new opponent for perhaps the greatest "team" in NGYFA history- Coach Rob Stockton's Rabun County Wildcats. Rabun County, coming in as the #2 seed due to a tie breaker, knocked off the #1 Dawson County Wildcats 28-0 with an all-out aerial assault that rivals anything a middle school program can produce.
• The 11u Super Bowl made the 515 and Northwest Conference proud as it produced a Week 9 rematch between Fannin County and Gilmer County. After knocking off preseason favorite Gilmer County in the regular season, #2 Fannin County fell 21-13 to the #5 Gilmer County Bobcats. The game featured huge in-game adjustments and quite possibly two of the 5 best players in the NGYFA.
• The nightcap provided a date for two familiar foes and league titans- the Jefferson Dragons and the Flowery Branch Falcons. Avenging a 2012 regular season defeat the Falcons used speed, athleticism and big plays to defeat the Dragons 31-16. While this group of Falcons finished their two year in the NGYFA 21-1 the Dragons finished a 5 year run 47-6 with four of the six losses coming in the Super Bowl (the Dragons split in 2011).

Super Bowl IX is sure to be just as exciting. The NGYFA looks forward to more compelling story lines and more young boys playing the great game of football in 2014.

Although the team started 0-2 with two tough opponents to open the season, they rebounded to win 5 of 6 regular season games.  "The coaching staff continued to believe and encouraged the boys, that was all they needed.  We let them know they were getting our best effort and nothing less than their best effort would be accepted".  Benji is also a GHSA referee on Friday nights and attributes watching numerous game tapes as helping him in coaching.  "I have been watching 10-15 hours per week as a referee so as a coach it has really helped me see the game and look for ways to improve our play.  My staff has picked up on it, we all watch film and I would guess combined we watch about 40 hours per week, there is a lot more preparation than people think to get a team ready".  Coach Boone has stressed defense all year and the team has been pretty tough to score on.  "We decided we would emphasize defense, if they can't score, they can't win.  We want to be physical and run the ball controlling the clock". The strategy has worked so far but the biggest test is coming this Saturday versus Flowery Branch.  "They are a quality team and we have to play at our best to have a chance to win but playing in our Conference against the teams we have has prepared us for the challenge.  Regardless, I am proud of the boys and the strides they have made this year.  It shows persistence and hard work are the keys to success".  Coach Boone is a 1992 graduate of Jackson County High School where he lettered for 3 years and as a defensive linemen and tight end.  His senior year the Panthers were 8-2-1 and advanced to the State playoffs.

submitted by Rick Sanders

The Scholar Athlete for week 9 of the NGYFA season is 10 year old Chestatee running back and linebacker Christian Charles.

Christian, known for his blazing speed on the gridiron, is an excellent all around team player no matter what position he is placed in. "Christian is easily coached and very respectful," say his coaches.  "He always gives 100%."  Christian doesn't just give his all on the football field but is also a standout basketball player.

His 5^th grade teacher, Mrs. Dawson, has nothing but positive things to say about Christian.  "He is extremely polite, honest and caring about others," says Mrs. Dawson. "He has a great work ethic and a real responsibility for his actions." His goal is to attend a college with great academics and has earned honor roll by making straight A's each quarter.

"This young man is a joy to be around on the field, at school and also in his Church Youth group," said Jr. War Eagle President Donald Chambers.

Diagnosed with autism Jacob had struggled socially and academically- which, at times, drove him to be an introvert. Once content with the television as his compatriot through the means of playing video games Jacob has flipped the switch.

"Jacob is not the strongest, fastest or most coordinated and he had never played football," said John Carden, Jacob's father.

One day in early September Jacob arrived home from school and told his father, "Dad, I wish I was normal and could play football," said Mr. Carden. "As you can imagine as a father it tore me apart. I think I cried myself to sleep that night. I wanted my son to feel no different than other kids and wanted him realize any dream he has."

Having missed all of the registration deadlines and NGYFA roster check-ins Mr. Carden reached out late to NGYFA Commissioner, Colton Green, and Flowery Branch Jr. Falcon President, Jasen Johnson, to see if there was still hope for Jacob to try the game of football. Through a coordinated effort Jacob was given an opportunity to be a participating member of the team at practices and on the sidelines on game day.

"My concerns were not about him getting hurt. They were how the other kids would treat Jacob not being able to catch the ball, run that fast or hit that hard," said Mr. Carden. "Those concerns were quickly put to rest the first practice he went to I saw a group of young men rally around my son and make him feel as big a part of the team as anyone else."

While Jacob's autism and associated aspects prevent him from being able to do things like ride a bike he is not short on life and personality.

"Jacob now looks forward to getting out of the house and going to practice. He has done a complete turnaround at school. His teachers have made comments that since Jacob started football he is more focused in the classroom setting and his social skills have improved," said Mr. Carden.

"Jacob has been a blessing to our team," said Head Coach and Park President, Jasen Johnson. "He has taught our team and myself a lot about life."

When asked what he would want the world to know about Jacob that may be different from their assumptions Mr. Carden says, "That he may do things differently than other kids, he may not outwardly act like the other kids but get to know him and talk to him for a few minutes and you will meet a kid that has the biggest heart of anyone I know and you will have a friend for life."

The opportunity that the Jr. Falcons and the NGYFA gave Jacob this season has been one worth talking about. "Jacob has really enjoyed telling people that he is on a football team and he has friends on this football team," said Jacob's dad. "We have been able to watch our son thrive and do things that at one time he thought he could never do or would never try. For that we are very grateful."