Most good football teams understand the importance of their grass root programs. That is giving youngsters the opportunity to take part in American Football, albeit slightly different rules, so that they can hopefully be engaged at a younger age and continue their development into the senior ranks. Every year there are National Finals for youth programs in the variations of American Football (Cadet Flag, Junior Flag, Youth Kitted & Junior Kitted) - here are the finals from 2013:
It is much the same at the Nighthawks, we are always excited when we see a product of the youth team ascend the ranks and made it to senior training. The following piece is a short write up from one of our stand out players from defence, Phil Holker who joined us from the youth set up this season. We asked him what the main differences were between the youth and adult side of the game and what advice he would have for younger American Football fans.
When I arrived at my first youth session in April 2011, we played a small game of 3 v 3 for an hour with no equipment apart from boots. Little did I know that three years later I would be kitting up for my first competitive 11 v 11 game against Chester Romans as a starting Outside Linebacker for the National Championship winning Merseyside Nighthawks.
The three years playing at Youth level provided the solid foundation to which I lay my current football skill and knowledge upon. Playing at senior level is a lot more serious than youth level; youth level was more about having fun once a week whilst other things took priority, whereas senior football is more focused on hard work, dedication to the sport and a constant strive for excellence. One of the main things I have picked up from guys such as defensive MVP Mark Houghton and Adam Stephens, is that whilst you may be on the field four/five hours a week, you should be spending at least three times that long outside of training working on your own ability; whether that be your strength, your speed or your ability to read and understand the game.
The three years playing at Youth level provided the solid foundation to which I lay my current football skill and knowledge upon. Playing at senior level is a lot more serious than youth level; youth level was more about having fun once a week whilst other things took priority, whereas senior football is more focused on hard work, dedication to the sport and a constant strive for excellence. One of the main things I have picked up from guys such as defensive MVP Mark Houghton and Adam Stephens, is that whilst you may be on the field four/five hours a week, you should be spending at least three times that long outside of training working on your own ability; whether that be your strength, your speed or your ability to read and understand the game.
The input from the coaches has been incredibly useful too, I had never received position-specific training until I begin training with the seniors, and had never been taught to break down game film and interpret what I was being shown. However, I believe if it was not for youth coaches such as Anthony McAllister and Charlie Holland, I would not be at the level I am today. I look forward to the rest of the season and the rest of my football career, whether that be playing or coaching in the future.
I would say to any young American Football fans, go online and find your local team and go and give it a try. Most clubs will let you come and train for a couple weeks with no obligation to join, there really is nothing to lose. If you are fortunate enough like I was, what starts as a youth team training session could culminate in winning a National Championship a few years down the road!
Anyone who wants more information on the Nighthawks Junior Program - click this link to go to their Facebook Page.
I would say to any young American Football fans, go online and find your local team and go and give it a try. Most clubs will let you come and train for a couple weeks with no obligation to join, there really is nothing to lose. If you are fortunate enough like I was, what starts as a youth team training session could culminate in winning a National Championship a few years down the road!
Anyone who wants more information on the Nighthawks Junior Program - click this link to go to their Facebook Page.