STOP BULLYING ME: CNN to AIR WEEK LONG SPECIAL

Eric Dorsey and Coaches establish expectations
for respect at a past New York Giants Youth Football Camp

On the field, youth football is a game of confidence and sometimes intimidation.  Young players can become fearful of a strong, aggressive opponent.  However, as long as they compete within the rules and with sportsmanship, it’s game on. 

In sports, when intimation is a factor, there are clearly defined ways to respond. Adjust your blocking technique. Trick your opponent. Answer on the scoreboard.

Bullying is different.  It’s vague and feels like chaos to parents and kids.  It’s physically, socially and emotionally painful.  It consumes and doesn’t end when the game is over.  Victims take it home, try to sleep on it and have difficulty talking about it.

We consider “bully awareness” among the top concerns at all of our youth football camps.  Bullies are discreet and do things under radar.  They quietly hassle and make fun of one struggling kid.   They try to gather support.  We can’t let it happen.  

Our first goal is to gain awareness.  Our parent-staff-camper communication plan is extremely helpful here. With awareness, our coaches take action with firm communication, private discussions, confidential support, heightened monitoring, group adjustments and clear reinforcement of camp rules and expectations.  When a former Chicago Bear, Green Bay Packer, New York Giant or Philadelphia Eagle tells the group that “bullying is not cool and not acceptable,” it resonates.  But our tactic and message must be consistent and applied every day. 

Obviously, bullying expands well beyond the football field.  The internet and social networking groups are prime resources for the bully.  We must learn more. That's why we recommend the following. 

CNN TO DO WEEK LONG FEATURE ON BULLYING, ORIGINS AND WAYS TO STOP

From October 10-15, CNN will host a special series STOP BULLYING: SPEAK UP on from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (check local listings). 

See CNN preview on STOP BULLYING: SPEAK UP here.

Answers to How You Can Stop Bullying here.

Cartoon Network's Help Stop Bullying Campaign here.

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun,

Tom Finks

Pro Sports Experience, LLC

http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

Official management company of Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.

Tips for Coaching Allergies

A clear head and lungs really help youngsters enjoy
the experience at Green Bay Packers Youth Football Camps.

The fact is, if you struggle to breathe, you can't effectively play most sports.  Better conditioned athletes have a huge advantage over their less fit counterparts. 

Sometimes, the advantage is earned through an athlete’s dedication to fitness.

Other times, a young athlete invests just as much work, but issues related to allergies (or asthma) really impede his or her chance at success.

Besides impeding performance, allergies can take away a young athlete’s motivation to train hard.  If the allergies make it no fun to play, will they really want to train intensely?

Give allergy suffering kids a fighting chance to enjoy the experience and win the game.

Check out the following tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on how to recognize and manage allergy symptoms.  

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun,

Tom Finks
Pro Sports Experience for Kids

http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

Youth Football Players: “So Psyched” or “Too Psyched.”

Bears Youth Camp Hero teaches kids to channel intensity
toward on-the-field performance.

Did you ever hear a youth football coach explain, “we left it in the locker room.” He’s is not referring to the mouth guards or the water bottles.

Rather, the coach is referring to the "emotional intensity" displayed before the game.  The team showed extreme excitement in the locker room and during pre-game warm ups, but it did not translate to on-the-field energy.

Sometimes, all the screaming, chanting and bravado leaves your football team with weary legs and no real energy.  Heck yes, the chants are a blast! But individual players must make sure they channel that energy into on-the-field skills.  Who cares if you “win warm ups?”

Don’t be deceived.  You see the NFL player gather and chant and explode on to the field, full of fire. But they are not that crazed for hours before the game.  Inside the locker room, it is much different.  

"The NFL pre-game locker room is much different than high school or college," say former Notre Dame and Chicago Bears star Kris Haines. "It's intense, but very quiet and focused.  Everyone is jacked-up, but they are channeling that energy to the field.  At that level, they really know how to use that excitement into better athletic skills. "

This channeling of energy also translates to life skills.  You must peak at the right time. 

Youth football parents and coaches: Remind your young athletes about this subtle but important point so they play their very best.

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun!

Tom Finks

Pro Sports Experience for Kids

www.ProSportsExperience.com

Youth Leadership: Where Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers See Eye-to-Eye

Can the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers agree on anything?  Maybe not on the field.

Chicago Bears Youth Football Camp Leadership Award Winners
acknowledged at Soldier Field

But off the field, both teams connect on a special mission.    

Both the Bears and Packers go to great lengths identify, train and salute young leaders discovered within their summer youth football camps.

Each team gives just two Leadership Awards out per youth camp location.  With less than three percent of all campers winning the award, this is a very prestigious honor.


With 27 camp locations, the Chicago Bears identified 54 leaders from over 1600 participants.
With 10 camp locations, the Green Bay Packers identified 20 leaders from over 700 participants.
Both teams apply the following criteria when choosing a Leadership Award Winners.

1. Leaders play the game with passion and go full speed for every drill.   

2. Leaders initiate.  They see what needs to be done and get it done without having to be asked.

3. Leaders are hungry for knowledge and listen to the coaches.  No, they are not asking questions every 30 seconds.   Instead, they absorb the message and act on it.

4. Leaders take learn from and take ownership in their mistakes. 

5. Leaders don’t finger point, blame or make fun of others.  Instead, they are protective of others, show belief in others and encourage them to keep trying. 

In many ways, these Leadership Award Winners are the antidote to bullies.  

Green Bay Packers Youth Football Camp Leadership Award Winners
acknowledged at Lambeau Field

When a child comes home as a Leadership Award Winner, we are certain that nothing makes a parent happier. 
Beyond football skills, leadership is an awesome life skill to possess.  The world needs leaders and a youth football camp is a great platform for developing those skills.  

And despite the “competitive football animosity,” the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers are definitely on the same page for this subject.  

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun,

Tom Finks
Executive Director
Pro Sports Experience, LLC

http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

Energy Drinks are not Sports Drinks or Water



New York Giants Youth Football Camp Hero and Coaches
gather to discuss life skills such as proper hydration.

With all it's terminology, youth football can be confusing. 

Terms like "the flat," "cover-2" and "deep post" can leave some parents stumped.

And so can sports fitness terminology. 

Give me an "energy drink" or "sports drink."

They are the same thing, right? 

No, wrong.

Specifically, the term "energy drink" is often lumped in with any source of re-hydration, including water or a sports drink like Gatorade.   But they should never be considered in the same category and usually have significantly different health effects.

As a sport parent, you should know the difference.

Do some homework.

1. See the National Federation of State High School Associations "Position Statement" for Energy Drinks by Youth Athletes.   Among highlights, they state energy drinks should never be used for hydration.

2. Check out the MomsTeam blog by Lindsay Barton.  She provides significant details for those concerned about the health benefits within energy drinks.

3. The American Academy of Pediatrics Report States Kids "Should Not Consume Energy Drinks."

At our youth football camps, we teach kids about the importance of maintaining hydration.  It's more than a football skill, it's a life skill you will keep for your entire life!

And know, above all, you can almost never go wrong with water.

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun,

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.

Cross Trained Athletes are Best Athletes

Are you a great football player? 

Or are you a great athlete that plays football?

Athletic Skills at Chicago Bears
Youth Football Camps

Consider the following sports or activities
*Basketball--for leaping ability.
*Baseball--for hand-eye coordination.
*Soccer--for footwork.
*Hockey--for competing in traffic.
*Track--for speed and endurance.
*Yoga--for agility, strength and balance.
*Dance or ballet--for footwork and balance.

After considering the above, watch how the Falcons' Tony Golzalez and the Giants' Dominic Hixon perform multiple, great athletic moves that are found in the list above. 

VIDEO: NEW YORK GIANTS HIXON CIRCUS CATCH
VIDEO: FALCONS TONY GONZALEZ TOE DANCE

Like NFL legends Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson, Hixon and Gonzalez are great, all-around athletes that play NFL Football. 

Before your child commits to one sport, consider the long terms gains of being an "all-around" athletic skills.

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun,

Tom Finks
Executive Director
Pro Sports Experience, LLC

http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

Consider NFL Flag for Football Skills and Thrills!

Your child loves football but “other sport” commitments, age or concerns about tackle contact keep your child out of the game.



Develop non-contact football skills at
Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.



Don’t give up hope!  Be sure to give NFL Flag Football a try.   It's the non-contact version of football that is experiencing tremendous growth and providing big benefits.

The game is available for kids ages 6 to 14 years old.   

The quality of athleticism and team play is outstanding.

Coaching levels are often on a par with any youth football camp or tackle league.

The local and national championship opportunities match those of Pop Warner.

And the game is lightning fast!

Check out the following links and get into NFL Flag.

FOR VERY YOUNG KIDS:  CHECK OUT NFL FLAG

NFL FLAG CHAMPIONSHIP FOR KIDS AGES 9-11

NFL FLAG NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS FEATURING BOYS AND GIRLS

CHOOSE A GREAT NON-CONTACT YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMPS HOSTED BY AN NFL TEAM

Hopefully, even more than "get back to football," this helps you find a way to "get into football," --the world's greatest team sport!

Tom Finks
Pro Sports Experience, LLC

http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

 


New York Giants Youth Football Camps have over 25 non-contact football camp locations throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area.  All programs are non-contact and excellent feeders for kids that want to learn to skills for both flag and tackle team football.

 

Jim Finks Opened the Door for 5000 Kids

Jim Finks

This week, Bristol and Lynden Presss, a small publisher focused on the history of Chicago sports and pop culture, highlighted the anniversary of Jim Finks joining the Chicago Bears as General Manager. 

Jim Finks:  Just What the Doctor Ordered

We would like to add something.

Well after his death, the good relationships he created in the NFL opened doors for me and my company Pro Sports Experience. 

While we have to prove our worth every day, we are proud to represent and manage youth football camps on behalf of the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles.  And we acknowledge that his relationships gave us the opportunity to pitch our program and be in this business.

Last year, we operated 80 non-contact camps in six states.  Nearly 5,000 kids attended our camps.  Each participant learned football skills, life skills and had a blast playing the world's greatest team sport.  We made an important, positive impact on many young lives--he would be most proud of that accomplishment.

Jim Finks' philosophy is part of everything we do.   During the good times, we are going to "keep an even keel." During the tough times, we will just "keep sawing wood."

It's great to remember the week he took on the challenge of rebuilding the Chicago Bears. 

As he signed most of his letters or notes...

"Peace,"

Tom Finks
Executive Director
Pro Sports Experience, LLC

Moms and Football Coaches Work Together for Kids

If Mom is there everyday for you, consider yourself lucky.

If Mom is truly supporting your social and school life, you are even luckier.

If Mom is hog-wild about everything you do---if she is your loudest cheerleader, head equipment manager and chief motivator, you are truly blessed.

Sportsmanship at Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps

While running youth football camps, our greatest reward comes when a Mom is completely ecstatic about their son’s experience. We feel the parent’s joy in emails about football skills, life skills, nutrition or sportsmanship learned.  As youth football camp coaches, perhaps we are able to convey something important that neither the mother nor the father could establish.  To paraphrase, “only in your own home are you not heard.”

For the professional educators, coaches and heroes of our staff, these are our greatest moments.  It’s when you give something to Moms that give so much to football.

“I am thrilled with the coaches and staff. They are truly amazing guys.  I am hoping that after this week, Josh will feel more confident to go back to his old team and play.” 
Angel--Mom of a Chicago Bears Youth Football Camper

“{My son} is coming home sharing skills he's learning and has really absorbed stories being told by camp heroes like Jim Thornton.  I see him more aware and motivated about taking care of hydrating his body and eating nutritious foods that fuel him.  Last night, I watched eat his entire serving of broccoli.  Being a mom with a nutrition background, that's a wonderful sight to see.  I only wish my urgings could motivate him as well.”   Karin--Mom of a Chicago Bears Youth Football Camper

“My son has really internalized some of the sportsmanship and life lessons being taught, as well as football skills, and for that I am most happy.  Today one of the teams he played against in a camp scrimmage lost a touchdown because of excessive celebration-- YES!!!  That is a lesson he needed to see and hear from someone besides his parents.  And Packers Hero John Anderson shared a nice story about determination and never giving up.”  Jennifer--Mom of a Green Bay Packers Youth Football Camper

“On yesterday morning while having breakfast, Jeremiah shared with me "the coaches are really good to us and I have learned some good things so far, like how to scoop up the ball and wrap it up and the drill sessions are getting me in shape."  As a mother, hearing this out of the mouth of her youngest, it is comforting to me know that he is enjoying the camp and at the same time the football staff is helping him to improve basic skills as he continues to learn the techniques of football.”   Donna G--Mom of New York Giants Youth Football Camper

“I have three boys at camp this week.  They all are loving it.  They especially like the fact that the drills are "real football" and they get actual factual feedback about their skill levels.  They are really timing them and allowing the boys to set personal goals.  My boys are pleasantly exhausted and starving at 3pm.  That is a true sign of a successful camp!!”  Kelly--Mom of Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camper

While not on the sidelines, Mom's are every bit as important as the head coach in terms of their young players flag or tackle football development.   Moms help us when they deliver us a prepared, respectful and enthusiastic young athlete.  When we build on that foundation, it completes the circle.

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.

http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

http://www.bearscamps.com/
http://www.packerscamps.com/
http://www.eaglescamps.com/
http://www.nygiantscamps.com/

Video: Amazing Science of Passing Accuracy and Mechanics

Sports Science asks the question “Is an NFL Quarterback the World’s Most Precise Athlete?”

More specifically, is an NFL quarterback more accurate than a World Class Olympic Archer?

This summer, Green Bay Packers Youth Football Campers
discussed the science of throwing a football.

Sports Science put this question to the test with the Saints’ Drew Brees in the spotlight.

They gave Drew the world's most high-tech football with sensors that track velocity, launch angle and spin rate.

In an amazing display of consistency and football skill, Drew Brees hit the archery target’s bulls-eye ten of ten times.  

Chicago Bears Youth Football Camp Director Scott Baum calls this 8 minute Sports Science episode "fantastic football curriculum with some surprising facts about passing accuracy."  Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camp Director Mike Gross calls the episode "simply amazing!"

If you have aspirations to be a flag or tackle football quarterback, definitely check this Sports Science episode out posted on the USA Football website.

USA Football Presents "On Sports Science: Passing Accuracy."

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.

Is Your Child a True Leader Among Youth Football Players?

More than the Head Coach, it's the youth football players themselves that have the most influence over the team's culture. 

Chicago Bears Youth Football Campers take the coaches
message and get on the same page.

The best "policemen" for players are other players.  While a good coach never disconnects from a team problem, he becomes much more effective when he has strong leadership within the ranks. 

If he does not have team leaders, his message will be rejected--no matter how valid.  The coach will work harder and shout louder in order to have his points made.  Without leadership, the coach may be defined as a "hot head" or "blow hard" as his message never takes hold.

We appreciate and need leadership at all of our youth football camps. 

Do you wonder if you are a true team leader?    Look in the mirror and ask yourself these questions.

1.   Do You Listen to the Coaches Instructions?

Simple enough, right?  After the coach describes a football drill, do you know exactly what to do? Does the coach need to re-explain it?  Do you help make sure others pay attention while the coach is talking?  Or would you rather be funny and cool than ready to play? 

Green Bay Packers Youth Camp Hero Johnnie Gray would absorb the coaches directions and also help teammates with additional details they did not understand.  Johnnie Gray was a leader. 

2.   Do You Go Full Speed--All the Time?

Going full speed at New York Giants
Youth Football Camps last summer.

The only way to practice is full speed-- as if in real game conditions.   

Chicago Bears Youth Football Camp Hero Robin Earl said Walter Payton ran every drill at 100% speed and through the finish line--every time!  As the NFL's greatest player, his example forced teammates to practice with the same level of perfection.

3.   Do You Act with Humility and Help Others?

True team leaders don’t take all the privileges and benefits.  Instead, they humble themselves and show a willingness to do difficult but necessary tasks.  For example, we love campers that help coaches clear the field of cones and footballs.   We never ask them--but when they do, it just stands out!

New York Giants Youth Football Camp Hero Bill Ard said the players he respected most were the ones that treated the trainers, equipment managers and support staff with courtesy and respect. Truly great leaders act with humility and help others whenever possible.   

4.  Do You Ignite the Group with Positive Reinforcement?

It’s easy to talk about what is wrong with your team.  Good leaders are able to identify positive progress within the team and build excitement in a challenging practice.

“This train is rolling!” shouted Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camp Hero Garry Cobb at a recent youth camp.  “This groups is improving with every turn!  These guys are working hard and getting better.  I like this group of Eagles Youth Football Campers.”
At this moment, Cobb saw slight improvement with every youth camper and turned it into a fantastic motivation for the football skill sessions.  It carried over to the entire day’s attitude. 

Coaches, let your team know you admire leadership more than anything else.  Tell them you are looking for the traits mentioned above.  Watch the spirit of your team change.

For football skills, life skills and fun,

Tom Finks
Pro Sports Experience, LLC
Official Management Company for Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.
http://www.bearscamps.com/
http://www.packerscamps.com/
http://www.nygiantscamps.com/
http://www.eaglescamps.com/

Three Essential Habits to Help the Overweight Child

NFL Sponsored Youth Football Camps are
a great place to have fun and burn calories

It's no fun to play if you struggle to move, breathe and keep up with other kids.  Quite often, this is due to a young person being overweight.  

We consider our youth football camps a great place to pass along life and fitness skills that combat childhood obesity.

Our youth football camp coaches teach three essential life habits that help kids manage and decrease excess body fat.  Apply these habits and help your child attain a better level of fitness.

 
1.  Simplify the Game:  It's "Calories In" vs. "Calories Burned."

Always look at food labels and recognize the total calories you consume each day.  Discuss good choices and bad choices made during the day.   Learn to distinguish high-calorie items from low calorie items.  At this stage, it's about creating awareness.   Without good information, how can your child distinguish a "good choice" from a "poor choice?"   Create awareness first, then you can make changes.

2.  Get Rid of the Soda: Choose Water First
This can be the easiest and most productive battle ground for you.  Water has zero calories and replenishes your body as required.  Consider the net calorie loss when you choose water and eliminate soda.  Certainly juices and milk are important, but make water the high priority.  Do you really need to have soda pop in the house?  Get rid of the soda and see an immediate change. 

3.  Play 60 minutes each day. 
It does not matter what activity you choose, as long as you get moving!  Make it fun.  If you can walk to school and back, that's at least 20 minutes of great exercise right off the top.  The goal is to do something physically active for 60 minutes every day.  Get your body moving and make it fun!

Speaking of fun, check out the NFL's Play 60 program for great ideas.

If your child follows this plan, you will get positive results with little drama.

For football skills, life skills and fun,

Tom Finks
Executive Director
Pro Sports Experience, LLC

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

http://www.bearscamps.com/
http://www.nygiantscamps.com/
http://www.packerscamps.com/
http://www.eaglescamps.com/

Make Sure the Helmet Fits: A Video Lesson from USA Football

Among the many ways we can improve youth football safety and prevent concussions, we absolutely must make sure every child’s youth football helmet fits properly.  This is essential to his or her safety and well worth your time to assure it fits properly.

Check out this outstanding six minute video provided by USA Football that reviews the procedure and provides skills for assuring a proper helmet fit.

NFL teams such as the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles offer many community-based, non-contact summer camps that prepare kids (and parents) to play non-contact flag or tackle football.  If you are interested in getting your child into the game, consider these programs in your local area.  

REVIEW VIDEO:  USA Football and Riddell - Football Helmet Fitting Video

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun,

Tom Finks

Pro Sports Experience, LLC

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

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 Breathe" 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. 

"As Bad as You Want to Breathe" Awesome Football Motivation Video

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



For your Youth Football Team
Banquet or Special Event.
Runs through November 11

CLICK FOR RULES & MORE INFO

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

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.