USA Football and the University of Hawaii, led by head football coach Greg McMackin, partnered to kick-off the first of 40 USA Football Coaching Schools this year.
THE 50th STATE TO JOIN the Union kicked off an ambitious 2008 USA Football Coaching School schedule when USA Football and the University of Hawaii partnered for an exciting day of training for more than 100 of the Aloha State’s youth coaches earlier this month.
Led by USA Football West Regional Manager Bassel Faltas, University of Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin (pictured at left) and his Warrior coaching staff served as clinicians for a dynamic day of instruction in Honolulu on Feb. 8. The single-day school is the first of 40 conducted by USA Football this year. Learn when a USA Football Coaching School is coming to you by clicking here.
“I appreciate these coaches so much for everything they do,” says Hawaii’s McMackin, who was named the Warriors’ head coach in January. As the team’s defensive coordinator in 2007, he helped the school earn a perfect 12-0 regular season record and a Sugar Bowl berth. “Their efforts are invaluable. I respect the time and energy they put in for the youth of Hawaii. And I’ve always believed that the youth level is where the best coaching has to be.”
Faltas, McMackin and the Warriors staff taught position fundamentals, how to best communicate with youngsters and their parents, and philosophies on varying schemes for offense, defense and special teams.
USA Football Coaching School participants receive USA Football’s coaches handbook, a USA Football t-shirt, a coach’s gift bag, instruction from their region’s top football minds, inspiring words from exciting keynote speakers, and a USA Football Coaching School certificate of completion. Lunch is also provided.
Among the Hawaiian coaches in attendance on Feb. 8 was Michelle Jenks of Hawaii’s Wahiawa Youth Sports League. “We’ve been researching resources for our league for a while,” says Jenks, entering her third season as an administrator. “I really liked what I’ve seen at usafootball.com and am so glad I joined. There are great drills on the site and so many things for coaches, parents, and players.
“I called Bassel (Faltas) last fall for more information and when he told me that USA Football was going to have a coaching school in Hawaii this year, I said, ‘Yeay, God!’ This is great – we’ll be using the coaches handbook.”
“It’s so important to teach proper techniques – like what USA Football is doing here today – and make the game fun,” said McMackin. “Encourage those young players. It’s easy to see that they love the game – they wouldn’t be spending time on a practice field if that wasn’t the case. Just look at their passion for this sport. They love football like you do. Teach and encourage them.”
To join other inspired coaches and be part of the USA Football family, click here to learn the membership resources waiting for you and your team.
