Predicting the Future for Youth Football Leagues

Injury Concerns Will Grow Youth Football Participation Levels

Yes, the spotlight on concussions and injuries associated with youth football will increase overall participation in youth football.  

Here’s why and how:

Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps

Let’s consider a kid named Hank.  He’s an elite young athlete and 9 years old.  He plays hockey, baseball and basketball and would love to play tackle football.   

Hank’s parents reject tackle as an option.  They are just not comfortable with it.

As an elite athlete and huge Chicago Bears fans, Hank still needs a football fix.  So, Hank joins a non-contact flag football league in his local neighborhood.

Remember, Hank is an elite athlete that was prohibited from playing tackle football.  When he joins this non-contact flag football league, he immediately gives the league some credibility.  It’s like Herschel Walker Herschel Walker going to the USFL or Bobby Hull going to the WHA.  With Hank on board, many of his hockey, baseball and basketball teammates will consider flag football as a cool option, also as their “second” fall sport.  

When Hank’s teammates join, there is suddenly a critical mass of good youth athletes playing in this league.  A suddenly, the coaching quality has improved as athletically competent dad’s support their sons.

Now, just because Hank’s parents rejected football, the flag league got a lot better.  The league demonstrates good football skills and fun. 

Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps

Here’s the kicker:   The huge number of undecided/recreational athletes begin to hear the buzz.  A non-contact flag football league is cool because Hank and his athletic friends play.  It’s not for cowards, these are good tough kids.  And unlike tackle football, flag football has no issues hanging out there like extreme travel, expense or injury issues.  It’s everything soccer is, but a sport America truly loves to play and watch.  

SUMMARY:   Truly dedicated football players aspire to play in high school and college, so they will always choose tackle to make that dream happen.   However, the concerns related to tackle football will increase the number of high quality athletes (and coaching dads) to the non-contact leagues.  This will draw more recreational or “followers” to non-contact leagues because there are not nearly the concerns or impediments associated with choosing tackle football.  

The net result is significant overall growth in football participation as tackle numbers are sustained and non-contact football leagues experience a tremendous increase.  

Of course, managing Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps, Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps, New York Giants Youth Football Camps and Green Bay Packers Youth Football Camps, we hope this is true.   Just watch.  We believe it will happen.

Sincerely,

Tom Finks

Pro Sports Experience, LLC

Official Management Company for Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.



More quality young athletes choosing flag football will draw
more undecided players to non-contact programs.



Jobs in the NFL: What We Tell Youth Football Campers



New York Giants Youth Football Camps



To get a job in the NFL, you have to be smart, competitive, proactive, qualified, lucky, connected and tougher than a nine mile detour.   

And I am talking about getting jobs in an NFL office, not on the playing field.

At Pro Sports Experience Youth Football Camps, we talk to the kids about “jobs in the NFL” and frequently have team employees visit the camps. 

Youth football campers want to know what “jobs in the NFL” are like. 
Here’s a brief summary of what we tell them.  

Team President

Most Fun:  Providing coach, highly competitive individuals with tools to get job done. 

Most Challenging:  Education required (legal, business or financial), time and sacrifices to do job.

General Manager

Most Fun:  Dream maker for young, ambitious men; authority and final say for team structure.

Most Challenging:  Agents; the media; second guessers; indirect responsibility for player behavior.

Coach:

Most Fun:  Outdoors—every day;  Dress code;  Feeds competitive fire; Inspiring men to be better people through football.

Most Challenging:  Long hours; second guessed by public; cutting good people; failed execution.

Media Relations Director:

Most Fun:  Being in atmosphere loaded with compelling, positive human interest stories.

Most Challenging:  On call 24-7; Coercing young, stressed and moody players to speak to media.

Community Relations Director:

Most Fun:  With team resource, significantly helping less fortunate people or organizations.

Most Challenging:  Inability to satisfy all the requests; coercing moody millionaires help cause.

Corporate Sales Director

Most Fun:   Many cool, valuable and high visibility platforms that other companies want to purchase.

Most Challenging:  Pressure to deliver big dollars in order to help cover significant team expenses.

Game Operations Director

Most Fun:   Entertaining live audience; motivating fans and players; huge creative platform.

Most Challenging:  Entertaining fans when team is getting walloped.

Announcer:

Most Fun:  Great work hours and freedom; access to all team resource;

Most Challenging:  Facing players you criticized on the air;

Trainer

Most Fun:  Camaraderie with team; great reward assisting players to recovery and saving career.

Most Challenging:  Extreme hours and need be available and assist every injured player.

Scout

Most Fun:  Freedom for time and travel; Uncovering a hidden star; excitement of discovering star.

Most Challenging:  Risk of predicting the future of immature or poorly raised young man.

Chairman George McCaskey at
Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps.

THE KEY TO SUCCESS:  We tell youth football campers that there are many industries that provide the same reward and satisfaction as working in the NFL.  Before anything, you must be qualified and therefore you must be educated.  When kids hit the books hard, options increase and so do the chances of a rewarding future.   

May everyone find fruitful, rewarding employment and the resources to care for yourself and family.

Tom Finks

Pro Sports Experience, LLC

Pro Sports Experience is the official management company for Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.

http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

http://www.bearscamps.com/

http://www.packerscamps.com/

http://www.nygiantscamps.com/

http://www.eaglescamps.com/

Youth Coaches: Don't Replace Guts with Stop Watch.

Sometimes, what is not said is the most interesting part.

On Thursday, NFL players and coaches praised a highly productive NFL wide receiver.  He is considered the best wide receiver on the team.  Read their words of praise and consider what is, in fact, not said.

What is not said is most important.

Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps


Quotes from coaches and teammates:
1. ‘‘He’s a football player.’’
2. ‘‘He’s going to do everything you ask him to do.
3.   "He’s not afraid of the dirty work.’’
4.  ‘‘No matter what situation, he’s makes a play for us,’’
5.  “A consistent receiver who’s always moving the chains,’’
6.  “He always does what he needs to do.’’
7.  “He’s got the “it” factor.”

Not once, does anyone praise the “raw athletic skills” or “breakaway speed”  or “supreme power” or “great hands” or “lightning quickness.” 

Instead, this wide-receiver succeeds by being the most prepared and consistent.  He succeeds through character and focus.  It's life skills that are determining his success, not athletic gifts.  

When youth football coaches judge players, they certainly use quantifiable scores for speed, strength, agility, catching ability and passing arm.  Those things help.

But the facts will never change. 

There are intangible aspects that a football coach cannot measure with a stop watch.

New York Giants Youth Football Camps

There are those that just “know how to win.”

There are hockey players with great “hockey sense.”

There are baseball players that “find a way to get on.”

There are basketball players that always seem to “make a play.”

And there are football players that know “how to play football.”

Youth Football Coaches:  Follow your instincts.  If you believe in a kid, give him a chance.  Don’t replace your guts with a stop watch.



Have a great Labor Day Weekend,

Tom Finks
Executive Director, Pro Sports Experience, LLC

Pro Sports Experience is the official management company of Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps

http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

"As Bad as You Want to Breath" Motivation and Football Training Video is Good As It Gets!

"When you want to be successful as bad as you want to breathe, then you'll be successful!"

I assure you, this 5 minute video is worth your time--and you will pass it along.

Wrapped in magnificent football training images, renowned speaker and educator Eric Thomas lays down an incredibly powerful and motivating narrative about what it takes to be successful.

If you need motivation, check it out.

If you struggle to express “what it takes” to others, check it out.

If you want to show how a youth football player truly trains, check it out.

It goes beyond football skills and passion.  It has universal appeal that every person may enjoy.  

The Main Feature: The Football Player with Eric Thomas Narrative

Eric Thomas Class Presentation (No Football Images).

About Eric Thomas

While truly great motivation speakers, the content would challenge the very best efforts of any Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants or Philadelphia Eagles coach.

Pass along to friends, teammates and family members.

Let me know your thoughts as well.

Sincerely,

Tom Finks

Pro Sports Experience, LLC

Pro Sports Experience is the official management company of Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps. 

Get Cut? Why You Should Never Give Up!

It's not what you achieve, it's what you overcome.

If your child got cut from his youth football team but still loves the game, please don't give up. I assure you, no coach or team manager can make perfect decisions on every player evaluation.

Case-in-point:  Let's look at the career of Jim Finks.  Finks was a highly regarded NFL GM that made it to the NFL Hall of Fame as an Excutive for the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints.  He was also starting Quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1950's.  He was a good (not great) quarterback but  among the best NFL executives in terms of player evaluation.

1. As a quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Steelers kept Finks while cutting a fellow named Johnny Unitas.  Good thing for Baltimore that Johnny Unitas did not quit football after being cut.

2.  While directing the NFL draft, Finks drafted or signed such blue chippers as Jimbo Covert, Keith Van Horne, Jay Hilgenberg and the legendary Walter Payton.  In fact, he acquired 19 of the 22 starters for the 1985 Super Bowl Bears.  But he passed on a chance to draft Notre Dame's Joe Montana.  Instead he picked Georgia running back Willie McClendon.  Ouch.

3.  In basketball, Michael Jordoan was cut from his high school basketball team.

4.  In hockey, Hall of Famer Chris Chelios was cut from U.S. International University, the only NCAA Division I hockey team west of the Rockies.   He went onto an NHL Hall of Fame career.

Politics aside, evaluating players is complicated and one person's decision should never define your self-confidence or commitment to playing youth football. The fact is a youth football coach will never know if he was right or wrong until time passes.  And one person's opinion should never define your goals, even if they create a significant road block.

As we said, it's not what you achieve, it's what you overcome.

Good luck youth football parents.  To those kids who are currently discouraged--don't give up if you love the game!

Tom Finks
Executive Director
Pro Sports Experience, LLC

Pro Sports Experience is the official management company of Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.

http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

Does Madden NFL 2012 Put Parents in Bad Mood?

In terms of teaching the game, the Madden NFL 2012 might be the best way ever to independently learn football players, rules, plays and strategies.

But it's a video game.  And according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, not only do video games replace physical fitness opportunities, researchers found children who exceeded the 2 hours per day of screen time (TV or Video Games) were 1.5 to 2 times more likely to be above average in attention problems. 

Playing football is more fun than playing video football.

So, while the Madden NFL games are great fun and socially interactive, parents must effectively manage the amount of time kids stay connected to video games and TV for the child's health and cognitive development.

See both sides of the issue. 

You need a good reason to request "a stop" to video game play.  Tell them your reason.  Without a good reason, kids figure the request is arbitrary and "Dad is in a bad mood."  

As youth football camp coaches, we want kids to be physically active--every day!  And, we want your child to learn and appreciate the game of football.

Learn more.  Check out the links below.  Get your facts straight about the joy of the game and the health related issues.  You can find a balance that will work to everyone's benefit. 

MADDEN NFL 2012 REVIEW

AAP:  VIDEO GAMES LINKED TO ATTENTION PROBLEMS

KEVINMD: VIDEO GAMES LINKED TO ATTENTION PROBLEMS

Hopefully this helps your parent-child communication.

Tom Finks

Pro Sports Experience, LLC

Pro Sports Experience is the official management company of Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps. 

“I Won’t Cheat!” --A Little League Life Skill Campaign that Scores.

Bears Youth Camp running back

Our youth football camp coaches constantly state, “Don’t cheat yourself!”  We say it before camp, during camp and at the final whistle.

What do they mean?

*Come mentally and physically prepared to get the most out of the camp day.

*Get enough sleep before the day.

*Eat a proper breakfast.

*Think about what you want to accomplish.
*Leave your problems behind and enjoy the moment.

*Run out every play and give a 100% effort.

*Do things the right way.

Talk about a simple sports lesson that translates to true life skills!  Consider NCAA football team violations, baseball players using steroids, golfer Tiger Woods, skater Tonya Harding and sprinter Ben Johnson.    Then consider any coworkers, friends and family members that cheat their way through life.   They take shortcuts, sandbag and use smoke and mirrors.  But everyone knows the difference.

It makes me think everyone should be required to play team sports while growing up.  It’s the best platform for learning how to compete with integrity.  Note:  I said “team sports” as I believe the environment is much more conducive to competitive integrity than most individual sports (golf excluded).  

While many more cheat without getting caught, I suspect that every perpetrator big and small has significant regrets and would do things much differently if given the chance.   We all make mistakes and fall to temptations of easy success and quick adoration.   Nobody is completely innocent. 

Pro Sports Experience tips its cap to Little League Baseball and their “I Won’t Cheat” jersey patch campaign.  It’s a sharp message that is a more valuable takeaway than football skills or baseball skills. 

More on the Subject

Little League’s Simple Pledge to a Better Future

15 Greatest Sports Cheats of All Time

Tom Finks

Pro Sports Experience, LLC

Pro Sports Experience is the official management company of Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.  

Have Youth Sports Parents Lost All Perspective?

You might laugh or you might cry.  Either way, ESPN Writer Tim Keown throws at tight spiral at youth sports and its escalation over the years. 

My favorite lines from his article "Where the 'elite' kids shouldn't meet," include...

"Waving the prospect of "travel ball" under the nose of the ambitious father of a talented 9-year-old is like wafting a steak under the nose of a sleeping dog."

"We're left with the following walk-off quote from our coach: 'Some parents claim they're the best team in [the county]. I must agree with them.' "

"We're nearing the point in youth sports where we need to stop the "elite" and "select" madness because we're raising a generation with too much self-esteem. They can't handle failure because they've been conditioned to believe they're too good to fail."

Personally, it's good to be in the youth football camp business (as opposed to leagues) because we have far fewer external issues to face.

Tom Finks
Pro Sports Experience, LLC
Official Management Company of Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.

Football Tackling Skill: Put Aside Pride for Safety

Our non-contact NFL youth football camps teach form or fit blocking and tackling techniques to prepare kids for the tackle game. 

Equally important is the need for coaches to be prepared for their season so they may provide proper and safe instruction.  

The internet is loaded with a variety of tackling instruction videos.  A good series comes from USA Football.

Youth football coaches and parents--be sure to check out their Introduction to Tacklng Video and help assure your players are doing it right.

Tom Finks
Pro Sports Experience for Kids
Management Company for Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps. 

Win $10,000 for Your School, Friday September 9

If your school loves the NFL and needs a financial boost for health and wellness programs, enter the Back to Football Friday program from NFL Play 60.

Schools are encouraged to show off their love for NFL Football on Friday, September 9.

34 winning schools will receive an NFL team celebration and a $10,000 NFL Play 60 health and wellness grant. 

http://www.nflrush.com/BackToFootball

The Most Iconic Figures in NFL Football

Close your eyes and think of the NFL's most iconic figure.   What do you see?   Vince Lombardi?  George Halas?  Dick Butkus?  Bronko Nagurski?  Jim Brown?  Joe Montana?  Walter Payton?

Suprising, many 40-somethings will mention John Facenda.   John Facenda was the voice of NFL Films.  Combined with the great writing, his narrative provided the perfect sound to the world's greatest game.

What NFL figure(s) do youth football players admire most today? 


 

Youth Football Camps Score on Mother Nature

New York Giants Youth Football Camps

You can’t beat Mother Nature. But Pro Sports Experience Youth Football Camps were able to score lots of points against her and her repressive heat this summer.

 “We plan for situations like this.” says Tom Finks, Executive Director for four NFL teams and their Youth Football Camp initiatives. “We acquire full service facilities so we can operate indoors and keep the kids safe. We hire highly qualified staff, including a Certified Athletic Trainer for each camp. And most important, we change the program so we operate safely but the kids still have a productive football experience.”

Finks concedes that it is tougher to have a wildly successful camp under such conditions. “No question that everyone gets fatigued a little faster. But the kids and parents have been great. They understand that our program must be altered and they appreciate the measures we take.”

Instruction and football competition were front-loaded in the “cooler” morning hours. Interactive class room games such as Eat Like a Pro, The Franchise, Chief Scout and Playmaker were huge hits and kept the kids engaged and cool.

“If we did play football in the afternoon, it was brief and hydration breaks were taken every 5 to 10 minutes,” say Finks. “We had hoses and sprinklers going and the kids loved it. We still had to cut things short and take water breaks because sometimes the kids don’t know when to stop.”

The hot weather also gives coaches a great teaching platform. While they would prefer cooler weather, it becomes much easier to teach the kids about hydration when it’s so easy to break a sweat.
“Hydration becomes part of the conversation. They go home talking about the importance,” says Finks. “It’s something they will always remember and a good life lesson.”

Recently, the American Society of Pediatrics developed new guidelines to protect children from the oppressive heat wave that has overtaken much of the United States.

Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps are managed by Pro Sports Experience of Chicago, IL. Learn more about these camps at http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

Caution: Teaching Moments with Golf Cart Crashes

In sort of a lightweight but effective way, this video compiliation of golf cart accidents may demonstrate to your kids that you better be careful when operating the carts.

Reckless behavior can lead to serious accidents.

MOTHERS DAY FOOTBALL PLAYBOOK

"Two-Minute Warning" 
When the baby's face turns red and the familiar-grunting noises begin.

"Intentional Grounding"
When your child throws food on the floor.  

"The Audible"
Changing the restaurant choice as you're driving through the first one's parking lot.

"Canadian Football"
Rules "other families" play by to raise their children.

"Encroachment"
Violation called on your dog during family dinner.

"Goal-Line Stand"
Refuting your child's argument four consecutive times.

"Play Action Pass"
Putting a movie on for kids to gain some free time.

"Hurry Up Offense"
Starting the car while your child looks for his shoes.

"The Special Teams"A visit from the cleaning service, plumber or lawn service.

Have a Great Mother's Day!

Pro Sports Experience is the official management company of Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.


http://www.prosportsexperience.com/


http://www.bearscamps.com/


http://www.packerscamps.com/


http://www.eaglescamps.com/


http://www.nygiantscamps.com/

NFL Heroes Take Action at Youth Football Camps

Pro Sports Experience is the official youth football camp management company for the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles.  We deliver comprehensive, non-contact football instruction for kids ages 6-14 years old.

At every youth football camp, we invite "NFL Heroes."  

Typically, they work with us on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the five-day camp week.

Heroes are former NFL players, fathers and family men that get great reward by teaching kids through football.  They supplement our core coaches with great instruction, energy and leadership. 

The term "Hero" is an appropriate for many reasons.  These men played in the NFL--and that speaks to their extreme dedication, work ethic, mental toughness and good fortune.  They are an elite group.

Most are not marquee names.  As parents and football fans, we recognize their names. 

As you would expect, the campers do not.  However, once the campers meet these retired players, shake their hands, follow their instruction and listen to their messages, something wonderful happens.  The kids gain a special appreciation for these unique camp guests.  And within a short period of time, these NFL Alumni become a true Camp Heroes to all that attend.  The campers seek and cherish their autographs just as much as any star quarterback.  And our coaches seek their respect as we work to represent the NFL properly.  And most important, the message these Camp Heroes deliver is right on target.  Enjoy the experience, respect others, practice hard and have fun!

Here's a look at some of the men we proudly call Heroes at our youth camps. 

CHICAGO BEARS YOUTH CAMP HEROES
(Visit www.BearsCamps.com for more)
Darnell Autry (Northwestern): Running Back, 1997
Macey Brooks (James Madison U): WR, 1998-2000
Ron Cox (Fresno St.): Linebacker, 1990-97
Wendell Davis (LSU): Wide Receiver, 1988-93
Robin Earl (Washington): Running Back, 1977-82

Allan Ellis (UCLA): Defensive Back, 1973-80
Kris Haines (Notre Dame): WR, 79-81           
Al Harris (ASU): Defensive End, 1979-84          
Emery Moorehead (Colorado): Tight End, 1977-88
Jim Morrissey (Michigan State): LB, 1985-93
Mickey Pruitt (Colorado): Linebacker, 1988-90
Revie Sorey (Illinois): Guard, 1975-83
Calvin Thomas (Illinois): Running Back, 1982-1988
James Thornton (Cal State Fullerton): TE, 1988-92
Keith Van Horne (USC) Offensive Lineman, 1981-1993

GREEN BAY PACKERS YOUTH CAMP HEROES
(Visit www.PackersCamps.com for more)

John Anderson: University of Michigan, LB, 1978-1989
Ron Cox: Fresno State, Linebacker, 1996
Johnnie Gray: Cal State Fullerton, Safety, 1975-1983
Ahman Green:  Nebraska, Running Back, 2001-2009
Larry Krause: St. Norbert, Running Back, 1970-1974
Dexter McNab: Florida, Running Back, 1992-1994
Bryce Paup: Northern Iowa, Linebacker, 1990-1994
Paul Rudzinski: Michigan State, Linebacker, 1978-1982
Bill Schroeder: Wisconsin Lacrosse, WR, 1994-2001

NEW YORK GIANTS YOUTH CAMP HEROES
(Visit www.NYGiantsCamps.com for more)
Bill Ard, (Wake Forest) Guard - (1981-88)
Stephen Baker, (Fresno State) WR - (1987-1992)
Scott Brunner, (Delaware) Quarter Back - (1980-1983)
Chris Calloway, (Michigan) WR - (1992-1998)
Eric Dorsey, (Notre Dame) DE - (1986-92)
Keith Elias, (Princeton) RB - (1994-96)
Sam Garnes, (Cincinnati) Safety - (1997-2001)
Rodney Hampton, (Georgia) RB - (1990 - 1997)
Sean Landeta, (Towson) Punter - (1985-92)
George Martin, (Oregon) DE - (1975-88)
Curtis McGriff, (Alabama) DT - (1980-87)
Roman Oben, (Louisville) OL (1996-99)
Lee Rouson, (Colorado) Running Back, 1985 - 1990
Brian Saxton, (Boston College) Tight End - (1995-1997)
Billy Taylor, (Texas Tech) Running Back - (1978-1981)
Steve Thurlow, (Stanford) Running Back - (1964-1966)
Odessa Turner, (Northwestern-LA) Wide Receiver - (1987-91)
Charles Way, (Virginia) Full Back/Running Back - (1995-99)
Perry Williams, (North Carolina) Defensive Back- (1984-93)

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMPS
(See www.EaglesCamps.com for more)
Fred Barnett (Arkansas State): Wide Receiver, 1990-1997
Bill Bergey (Arkansas State): Linebacker, 1974-1980
Garry Cobb (USC): Linebacker, 1985-1987
Ben Hawkins (Arizona State): WR, 1966-1973
Jim Kelly (Notre Dame): Tight End, 1965-1967
Sean Landeta (Towson): Punter, 1999-2002
Frank LeMaster (Kentucky): LB, 1974-1982
Joe Pagliei (Clemson): Running Back, 1959
Vince Papale (St.Joseph): WR, 1976-1978
Joe Pisarcik (New Mexico State): QB, 1980-1984
Mike Reichenbach (East Stroudsbury): LB, 1984-89
Pete Retzlaff (S.Dakota St): RB, WR, TEnd, 1956-66
Mike Schad (QueensUniversity): OL, 1989-93
William Thomas (Texas A&M): LB, 1991-2001

For more about our camps, visit http://www.prosportsexperience.com/ or call 312-226-5553.

Pro Sports Experience is the official management company for Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.

 

Food Additives and Children's Health

Food additives are coming under an increasingly intense spotlight as they relate to children's health. 

A recent Trib Local article points out that "British medical journal The Lancet presented evidence that a mix of additives commonly found in children’s foods increases hyperactivity."  

Researchers concluded that findings lend support for the case that food additives exacerbate hyperactive behaviors (inattention, impulsivity and overactivity) in children.”

Read more from Trib Local.

NFL Teams Winning Kids with Safe, Non-Contact Camps and Team Heroes

April 8, 2011: Contact Tom Finks at 312.226.5553.

Every professional sports organization competes for the attention of the young fan---kids ages 6 to 14 years old---all of whom are deciding their favorite sports and long-term team loyalties.  

NFL teams pay particularly close attention to this decision.  As the nation’s most popular sport, football has a tremendous advantage.  Still, other sports options such as soccer, hockey and basketball provide formidable competition.  So how does an NFL team sustain its place as “favorite sport” among the youngest fan demographic? 

One strategy features NFL teams providing terrific opportunities for children to learn and play the great game of football through safe, non-contact Youth Football Camps.

Pro Sports Experience is the official camp management company for the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers,  Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants Youth Football Camps.

This summer, four NFL teams will offer a combined 80 non-contact, week-long, day-camps for kids ages 6 to 14 years old.

All camps use a safe, non-contact program model that is the an effective way to teach the kids, while providing comfort to parents with concerns about tackle football.  The philosophy is simple:   Today’s youth football players are the NFL stars and fans of tomorrow.  The more kids understand and play the game, the more they like it.

“We want football to be accessible to kids.” says program director Tom Finks. “In order to do this, the camps need to be conveniently located, safe and high quality. We have tremendous coaching resources, including many alumni NFL heroes.  The non-contact format allows us to safely introduce the game to newcomers, while at the same time we can challenge and develop experienced players.”

While youth football camps are common, very few non-contact programs are available. Finks believes the Bears, Packers, Giants and Eagles are filling that void and providing a great option for kids who like the game.

Finks has been around football his entire life.  His late father Jim Finks was once the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints General Manager and is a member of the NFL Hall of Fame.  And he is applying some of his Dad’s philosophy to the camp curriculum. 

“One thing I learned from my Dad is athleticism comes first,” said Finks. “Whether it was a quarterback, linebacker or an offensive lineman, the player needed to demonstrate a wide variety of skills, speed and agility.  He loved linemen who could run, catch and shoot a basketball. That idea of ‘developing athleticism’ is a key part of our non-contact football camps.”

Finks listed a number of unique modifications Pro Sports Experience applies to their camp initiative.  The purpose is to make the camps as accessible as possible for kids to attend.  Those differences include:

*NON-CONTACT INSTRUCTION:  All program locations offer non-contact instruction.   With non-contact instruction, any athlete who likes the game can try it.  Kids wear t-shirts and shorts and develop skills without any issues related to tackle practice.

*HIGH QUALITY STAFF WITH REAL NFL HEROES:  Camps are led by professional educators with high school or college coaching experience.  These staffers travel to all camp locations.  Former NFL players such as the John Anderson,  Johnnie Gray, Fred Barnett, Bill Bergey, Robin Earl, Al Harris, Jim Morrissey,  Eric Dorsey, Bill Schroeder, William Thomas, Perry Williams and others provide supplemental instruction at all camps. Certified athletic trainers are also available. 

*CONVENIENT LOCATIONS:  Pro Sports Experience manages the official youth football camps of the Bears, Packers, Eagles and Giants for a combined total of 80 camp locations scheduled during June and July, therefore making the program geographically convenient for many. 

*FIVE-DAY CAMPS:  Programs are week-long, full-day camps that provide comprehensive instruction to kids ages 6 to 14 years old. The full-day format certainly helps households with two working parents.

*THE RIGHT PRICE:  Campers pay anywhere from $12 to $15 an hour.  Group discounts, customer discount opportunities and payment plans are available. Financial aid scholarships are also available. 

For more about NFL Team Youth Football Camps, visit http://www.prosportsexperience.com/ or call 312.226.5553.

Our Teams Place 4 Top Ten Head Coaches--ESPN Power Rankings

Pro Sports Experience is extremely proud of its association as youth camp management company for the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles.

And we are extremely pleased to see that all four youth camp NFL partners placed a coach in the ESPN Top 10 Head Coach Power Rankings.  The list includes 3. Andy Reid (Eagles), 4. Mike McCarthy (Packers), 6. Tom Coughlin (Giants) and 8. Lovie Smith (Bears).

All of our youth camp coaches are extremely proud to be associated with these great coaches and men.  We look forward to properly representing them in summer camps for kids ages 6-14 years old!

Tom Finks
Pro Sports Experience

Pro Sports Experience is the official youth camp management company for Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps

The Peanut Allergy Controversey for Children in Florida

As youth football camp managers, we do everything possible to accommodate all children that want to attend our camps--period, full stop.  That includes kids with peanut allergies.

Peanut allergies can be life threatening.  In the most serious cases, a nut or peanut allergy can cause anaphylaxis (say: ah-nuh-fuh-lak-sis).  This is a severe allergic reaction in which a person's blood pressure can drop, breathing tubes narrow and the tongue swells. People at risk for this allergy have to be very careful and need a plan for handling emergencies, when they might need to use special medicine to stop these symptoms from getting worse.   Children attending our camps have such circumstances.

Importantly, I hope that we determine WHY the incidence of life-threatening allergies, peanut related or otherwise, seem to be so prevalent among children the last ten years or so. 

What has caused the perceived increase in life-threatening allergies for children and families?

Here are articles regarding the Florida controversy and what parent's are saying. 

Reuters: Peanut Allergy Stirs Controversy at Florida

Fox News:  Amid Protest, Florida School Stands Behind Tough New Peanut Allergy Regulations

Tom Finks
Executive Director, Pro Sports Experience

Pro Sports Experience manages Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps. 

Ever Wonder How NFL Players Run So Fast?

The 2011 NFL Scouting Combine ended yesterday.  This week-long showcase is held at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and tests the physical and mental ability of NFL hopefuls in front of coaches, general managers, and scouts. 

At Pro Sports Experience Youth Football Camps, athletes are given the chance to participate in a combine of their own, as competitions are held in the 40-yard dash, the 3 cone drill and the shuttle run, which are just three of the six main workouts performed at the real NFL combine.

Make no mistake: NFL-bound athletes work hard and devote endless hours to training and conditioning in an effort to increase speed and strength.  But sometimes, their remarkable abilities makes you wonder if they have something going for them that the rest of us don't, especially in terms of sheer speed.

The 40-yard dash is a difficult race; it requires  explosive speed from a static start since there is limited distance to gain momentum.  In human muscles, there are Slow Twitch (Type I) and Fast Twitch (Type II) muscle fibers, and the amount of each that is in the muscle of any given person is genetically determined. 

Slow Twitch fibers are efficient at using oxygen to generate more fuel; they fire more slowly than Fast Twitch fibers and can go for a while before they fatigue.  Marathon runners, for instance, have a lot of Slow Twitch fibers.  Fast Twitch fibers, on the other hand, are good for anaerobic activity and can rapidly generate strength and speed, but tire faster than Slow Twitch fibers.  Athletes with a lot of Fast Twitch fibers perform incredibly well in the 40-yard dash. 

Now that we know the science of speed and how it is part of some people from birth, it's safe to say that Chris Johnson, who holds the NFL Combine 40-yard dash record of 4.24 seconds, and the rest of the elite athletes who participate, are "born fast."  However, there is no way of knowing who is "born fast" and who isn't, and the only way you will find out is if you push yourself hard in practice and conditioning, day in and day out.

Pro Sports Experience is the official management company of Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.  Learn more at www.ProSportsExperience.com.

Ever Wonder How NFL Players Run So Fast?

Last Thursday, the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine began, and lasts through tomorrow, March 1.  This week-long showcase is held at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and tests the physical and mental ability of NFL hopefuls in front of coaches, general managers, and scouts. 

At Pro Sports Experience Youth Football Camps, athletes are given the chance to participate in a combine of their own, as competitions are held in the 40-yard dash, the 3 cone drill and the shuttle run, which are just three of the six main workouts performed at the real NFL combine.

Make no mistake: NFL-bound athletes work hard and devote endless hours to training and conditioning in an effort to increase speed and strength.  But sometimes, their remarkable abilities makes you wonder if they have something going for them that the rest of us don't, especially in terms of sheer speed.

The 40-yard dash is a difficult race; it requires  explosive speed from a static start since there is limited distance to gain momentum.  In human muscles, there are Slow Twitch (Type I) and Fast Twitch (Type II) muscle fibers, and the amount of each that is in the muscle of any given person is genetically determined. 

Slow Twitch fibers are efficient at using oxygen to generate more fuel; they fire more slowly than Fast Twitch fibers and can go for a while before they fatigue.  Marathon runners, for instance, have a lot of Slow Twitch fibers.  Fast Twitch fibers, on the other hand, are good for anaerobic activity and can rapidly generate strength and speed, but tire faster than Slow Twitch fibers.  Athletes with a lot of Fast Twitch fibers perform incredibly well in the 40-yard dash. 

Now that we know the science of speed and how it is part of some people from birth, it's safe to say that Chris Johnson, who holds the NFL Combine 40-yard dash record of 4.24 seconds, and the rest of the elite athletes who participate, are simply born fast.

Pro Sports Experience is the official management company of Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps. 

Learn more at www.ProSportsExperience.com.

Christy Lukes

Pro Sports Experience, LLC