That led them to form Titans Youth Football, which is based in
“
“If the weather permits, we’ll do it outside. But some times we go inside the Metrodome (as part of a fund-raising promotion where ‘Metrodome Nights’ are booked and which also has allowed the players to mingle and have photos taken with some Vikings). We’re a special program for kids looking for a little extra in football.”
The program is open to kids from second through eighth grade, but it eschews tryouts.
“We don’t have criteria for kids to get into the program,” said Aho. “If they want a little extra, all they have to do is sign up. That’s the great thing about Titans. There are no borders.
“And being in
“We felt we should find something different for kids who want a little extra, based on what we saw in other sports. Let’s give these kids an opportunity to play at a higher level and have some fun.”
When the program kicks off, it commences with a camp, where the emphasis is on football fundamentals.
“We teach how to block, tackle and run,” said Aho. “We just want them to be good players when they go back to their particular programs. They can plug into any offense and know how to hit and take a hit.”
The latter is of special importance with first-year players.
“When it comes to hitting and contact, some kids are going against more experienced kids,” said Aho. “There’s a certain amount of fear. We’ll work with kids a lot on that because we want them coming out of the gates liking and enjoying the game.
“And in our camps and workouts, the kids are in pads. That doesn’t mean we hit all the time, because we want them to learn how to run and pass with pads on.”
The camps also provide an opportunity for area high school players who are looking to become involved in community activities.
“A lot of high school lettermen help with the camps,” explained Aho. “It gives them the opportunity to be involved with youth and perform community service.”
Eventually players are split into teams and “challenges” are extended to programs outside the Twin Cities area. Then, the program culminates with the National Sports Center Classic.
“We play four games in the National Sports Center Classic and pick up some other games,” said Aho. “It gives kids from neighboring communities a chance to make friends and then go into normal league play and play against friends on regular-season teams.
“While some kids actually will play on teams, others will just come to camp and train.”
Regardless of what option kids select, all are administered a “strong dose” of what comprises sportsmanship.
“We very much stress sportsmanship,” said Aho. “Every team has a motto. We say ‘Eleven playing as one.’ We also talk a lot with parents about the sportsmanship side of things.”
Another aspect of Titans is that the program has partnered with Velocity, a company that specializes in speed and physical training.
“They ask ‘How can we help your son?’“ said Aho.” ‘Is there a position he wants to learn?’ We’re trying to be somewhat revolutionary in what we do. We’re trying to be different, new and innovative - and do something we haven’t been able to do.
“Still, the bottom line is our plan to take as many players from as many different areas as possible and help them learn and enjoy the game.”
Story courtesy of Red Line Editorial, Inc.