Reflection:
I remember when I first started Trevian football. I had three sons participating at that time and I could not wait for each season to begin. I was excited to see the program grow. We had made quite a difference in what was the old youth football experience. I knew all the naysayers were mostly jealous and their frustration with what we were doing was proof that we were on to something good. Now the proof is evident in the many successful children whose lives we have touched.
In the beginning I gave little thought to the families who were graduating from youth sports. I remember friends with kids going on to High School and thinking how foreign that was to me with 4 little ones and how old they all seemed. I kept the last part to myself.
I wish I could go back and savor every moment that my kids played and relive it all over again. Those were special times. Through all the triumphs, failures, fights and reconciliation’s we remember it all as the best of times.
With the years came a wisdom that now intertwines with my passion for Trevian Football. I am certain of guiding principals that will carry us into the future. Always put the kids first and do what is best for them. Cherish every season, every game and every play your kids are part of. Watch them, encourage them, guide them and always be there for them, because in the blink of an eye you will be looking back and remembering. Q. What is your refund policy? Registration is well underway and we expect to again have full teams. We would like to do a better job of getting the word out to all the kids that will benefit from our program. We offer a different brand of football than what is done in other communities and offer different football ages and cheer for the girls that none of the others do. We rely on you to get as many as possible to know about us to make a choice before we are full and it is too late. All you need to do is direct them to our website – www.trevianfootball.com
We have a colorful background. The origins of Trevian Youth Football start in Winnetka with Glencoe and Northfield kids playing together in Winnetka resulting in overcrowding there. After all the growth the Glencoe kids were asked to go it alone. After efforts by both the Winnetka and Glencoe Park Districts to make that work, a parent group eventually took over the Program. After much due diligence we created a radically different youth football program than was being offered in the area. This was available much farther away in places where football was stronger at the youth and high school levels. To do this it was necessary to have large numbers to enable safer and fairer competition in a more formidable league. More players were necessary than any one small community could provide. The result was Trevian Youth Football with players, coaches, and board members from 10 communities. We do not discriminate against players based on where they happen to live and instead welcome all comers. The smaller surrounding youth football programs are community based and play locally. We believe both a more recreational community program and also a stronger and larger travel program is great for everyone. We clearly offer a different brand of football than what is done in the other communities. We also serve different football ages and have cheer for the girls unlike the others. This change has come with some upset to the community football programs which never had any competition. People often ask “why doesn’t Winnetka, Wilmette, and Kenilworth... join you and have one large program to serve all the kids”? This question is common now that we have become such a large football program. We have asked the others to do exactly that for years. Our philosophy is different from the community program's approach that have an emphasis on community rather than simply doing what we believe is best for the kids. We ask them to join us but the efforts have proven futile and even ruffled feathers. So we have gone it alone and outgrown those programs with Trevian Youth Football. Aside from all the growth we have succeeded on many fronts. It is obvious we are onto something good. There are many differences between the Trevian program and the other community based programs: Trevian is much larger than all of the surrounding travel programs. In 2009 Trevian had a lot of success including a National Championship, Division Champs, AYF playoffs, 19 Academic Achiever Award recipients, Cheer… While we adhere to the Positive Coaching Association and know winning is not the most important thing, it sure is fun. For example our game record of 62 – 34 - 2 compares to Winnetka’s 6 – 30 and Wilmette’s 15 – 15. Aside from the winning percentage difference each Trevian team has many more games and practices and we both start earlier and finish later than the others. Our coaching staff has many collegiate and (with Fred Miller and Jaime Moriarty) even former NFL players who do an extraordinary job. Additionally we have a higher player to coach ratio, Spring Training, special trainers, AYF Academic Achievers (19 winners in 2009), Spring Game, coaches clinics, game film study sessions, cheerleaders, spirit wear, homecoming, Friendship and Cancer Awareness games, NFL PPK, AYF All Stars in Florida, Nationals, banquets… All of these things do not necessarily make Trevian better than the others, but very different. For some a community type program might be a better fit. It is wonderful that people have a choice of where to play football. Our vision is to one day be large enough to have both a strong travel program and a more recreational house league for all ages. With no cooperation from the community programs we are making large strides in that direction with the goal to provide the best possible football program for as many children as possible without turning anyone away. Our fundamental belief is that football is wonderful for kids on so many levels and the gratification in seeing our efforts make a large difference is what drives us. Please join us and learn more - visit: www.trevianfootball.com Mark Rice Ancient Trevian History that we can be proud of: The Trevians were unified under Gaius Julius Civilis in the Bavarian Conference, a lesser-known band of smaller, but fierce tribal states. The Trevians fought in the trenches as one, where they knew teams fared better than individuals. Legions followed Civilis from villages near and far and were taught to embrace the guy next them as long as he wore the same color helmet. Civilis knew each of his Trevians had the heart of a million tigers and would fight from the opening horn like 10 million more. They would never cower. They would never relax. They would never give up. With this in mind, Civilis could not help but offer his foe a smile from across the frozen banks of the Moselle River. Civilis called his men to the line. Trier would have but one chance at victory and he would see that his men pursued it with honor! Civilis cried above the Trojan roar. “Dig in brave Trevians of Trier. Dig in!” A different band of Trevians dug in again on the frigid banks of Lake Michigan this fall. And like those who wrangled with an empire two millennia before them, The Trevians of today never gave up. They pursued victory with Honor. They brought football to New Trier and did so brilliantly! And, somewhere in the Heavens, a statesman turned field general named Gaius Julius Civilis is smiling once again. “Well done brave Trevians of New Trier. Well done!”
Question & Answer
A. A full refund will be given to anyone that removes a player before game jerseys are ordered which is Feb 1. No refund will be given if a player quits before the first game as we regularly turn applicants away as we have full teams.
Q. Why were the Head Coaches selected already this year?
A. Selecting the Head Coaches early allows them to train and prepare ahead of time, and to game plan for their team well-in-advance.
Q. What if my child is right on the borderline of AYF age/weight classes?
A. The first week of conditioning all players will be weighed. Any player that weighs more than the required limit will be moved up to the next weight class. Likewise if a player weighs light enough to move down a level he will be moved down a weight class. We want players to show up in shape and ready to play. Cutting weight is not only unhealthy, but is against the Board’s #1 Objective: “To build healthy bodies and minds.” See the AYF page for the Age/Weight chart.
Q. Why does it take so long for the schedules to be posted every year?
A. Some communities have issues with field availability, numbers of teams... So scheduling is delayed until all programs have determined which teams they will have, field availability... Keep in mind, this is an all volunteer program as is Chicagoland AYF, there are 30 communities with over 300 teams in the league and 9 weeks of regular season games to schedule. One person spends many hours handling this task. His name is Jim Dihu from the Park Ridge Falcons. If you see him please thank him.
Q. What football equipment do I need to supply? If I lose equipment what should I do?
A. You will need to purchase a white helmet and shoulder pads. This is a personal preference however we invite vendors such as Riddel to set up a table at various Trevian Football events to make it easier. You can also visit retail stores or order online. Additionally the players should wear rubber cleats and depending on what game pants you select (that we supply) you may need to supply a girdle with pads in them. For minor equipment such as snaps, clips, etc.., inform your Head Coach. All players need to handle their equipment issues before or after games/practices so they are prepared and ready to go.
Q. How can I become a part of the board, be on a committee, coach, or volunteer my time to Trevian?
A. Please let us know your interest. As for volunteering, it is always welcome and absolutely necessary. Contact any board member or coach and he/she will let you know where help is needed.
Q. What does my child need to bring to practice/game?
A. All of their equipment, a labeled water bottle (filled with water or sports drink), and a positive attitude.
Q. How are players placed on teams?
A. Players are put in their prospective team based on age and weight dictated by AYF. The AYF age and weight chart is on our AYF page. This is for level play and safety and is not flexible in any way. We weigh the players before the season at AYF Certification and obtain picture ID Cards after varifying birth certificates, weight, and jersey numbers. Then we weigh all the players at each and every game beforehand. players over the weight limit are not allowed to play. A equipment weight allowance is given on game days and a sliding weight gain allowance is used to allow for normal weight gain.
Q. What if my child has health problems/allergies?
A. First, be sure you have written it on the Medical Authorization form. If not, please contact the Registrar with the information so it gets documented. Next, if your child carries an inhaler or epripen, your child’s coach will also need this for his medical kit. It can be placed in a zip-lock bag and labeled with your child’s name, address and ALL Emergency contact phone #’s.
Q. When does the football season start and end?
A. See Schedule page.
Q. Why would missing practice jeopardize my child’s playing time?
A. Football is a sport that requires consistent conditioning and workout regiments. By missing one or more of these practices it could potentially cause the players body to be ‘out of shape’ and they could potentially get injured. Also, football is a team sport that evolves from week to week; if a player is not preparing with the team then their knowledge and ability will not be the same as the players that attend all practices. Therefore, players that miss practices could be penalized game time for their safety and the well-being of the team. However if a player is eligible he will play. We have mandatory AYF play rules to make sure that everyone plays. Not everyone plays equal time as this is travel and winning is part of that, however these are children and we unlike many other travel programs, recognize that and do our best insure that everyone plays.
Glencoe Trevians Philosophy:
Our goal is to create an environment that promotes the development of self-esteem, independence, and specific skills that ensure the boys will have a fun, safe, and enriching experience.It is unrealistic to assume that our children are training for a NFL career and we are against the “win at all costs” mentality and adhere to the Positive Coach Alliance. We want to win but have a more important goal – to use the sports experience to learn life lessons and positive character traits that will help them be successful. Three themes are: Redefining “Winner”, Filling the Emotional Tank, and Honoring the Game.Winners make maximum Effort, continue to Learn and improve, and refuse to let Mistakes (or fear of making mistakes) stop them. ELM = Effort, Learning, Mistakes. Athletes who are coached this way tend to have reduced anxiety and increased self confidence. This enables them to have fun and play better. You can help by explaining ELM. Letting him know you appreciate when he tries hard, even if unsuccessful. Ask rather than tell about his play. Ask open - ended questions. (What was the best part of the game for you?) Tell him you are proud of him regardless of the outcome. We all have emotional tanks that need to be filled to do our best. Research has shown that a “Magic Ratio” of 5:1 (praise to criticism) is ideal. Magic things happen when we get close to the ratio. When the ratio drops they become discouraged (their tanks become drained) Encourage him without giving a lot of advice. When he makes a mistake, you might say’ “Don’t worry. Let’s get the next one…” Find several positives before you offer advice. We stress sportsmanship and set a good example. Honoring the Game gets to the ROOTS of the matter: Rules – we respect the letter and spirit of the rules. Opponents – we try hard to win, but not at the expense of demeaning our opponents. Officials – we treat officials with respect. Teammates – we support each other and never do anything that would embarrass our team. Self – we live up to our own standards regardless of what others do. Be a role model and Honor the Game. Issues that are a concern are communications, playing time, safety, and attendance. In keeping with building self - esteem, whenever concerns arise it is important that the player talks to the coach directly if possible. He should feel confident to speak with his coach and it will serve him well. Obviously parents can also speak to the coaches. Playing time and positions are issues the player should discuss with the coach. We ensure that everyone plays however equal playing time is not typical. No boy should feel left out and we have rules to ensure everyone plays. We focus on teaching how to play correctly and physical conditioning to be ready for games and want each boy to do 20 push - ups and 20 sit - ups as homework. This will build strength and confidence. There is life beyond sports: family comes first, school second, religion third, and then sports. However, you must let a coach know when you will miss a game or practice. We look forward to a rewarding season.
The value of sports is that they offer lines of communication. Not just between fathers and sons, but through entire communities. They are a source of unification of shared experience and pride. Football is played everywhere. We play and watch, and hope, and worry, celebrate and sob. During our daily lives, we win and lose-we get beat up. Whether pro or amateur, in front of the TV, or at the games, football gives us a chance to be part of something exciting and meaningful. It teaches us the importance of discipline, conditioning, perseverance, strategy, work ethic, teamwork, builds lasting friendships. Afterward, whether we have played the game, or watched our son or grandson play-win or lose, we feel special for having shared the experience.
Trevian Football Vision for being a community Wide Program 2010
Trevian Youth Football mission is to meaningfully change the youth football experience in the area. This has not always been pleasant for competing programs. We remain positive and do not let the naysayers slow us down. We are proud of the program and at the same time wish the others well. We are not better than the others, just very different.
No one expected the Trevians of Trier to mount a meaningful assault against the Trojans of Roma, who had already destroyed Sparta, sacked Crete, obliterated Syracuse and absolutely crushed Carthage. Roma was the undisputed world champion, undefeated for 803 consecutive years. They were fast. They were disciplined. They were mean. They were believed to be invincible.
PCA - Transforming Youth Sports So Sports Can Transform Youth:
We are proud members and graduates of the Positive Coaching Alliance and the only local program to have mandatory PCA training for all coaches. Check out their website and learn more about it. There is so much we can do as coaches and parents to teach the children life lessons through sports and avoid negative situations with the help of the PCA.
Thanks to our volunteers:
We are Volunteers not experts. We’re your next door neighbors not perfect – We are parents just like you who happen to raise our hand to help out. We don’t have any more spare time or energy than you do: we work full time and juggle our families and our schedules and try to keep it together as best as we can. We believe we can make a difference in the life of a child. We contribute our time, talents, money and mileage. We try to involve parents who want us to understand that they have other commitments and cannot help out. Sometimes we find ourselves going in too many directions. Sometimes we run out of steam. We have memory and communication lapses. Time slips by. We pray for help, support and understanding. Sometimes we feel unappreciated. When a child looks up at us who has just mastered a new accomplishment. Their smile lights up the room. When they say thank you, it was all worth it. We struggle every day to instill fairness, consideration, self-respect and kindness. Sometimes we need to learn these lessons also. Please be patient if we appear distracted, frightened or overwhelmed at times. Instead provide us with encouragement, offer your help. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We are after all, only…mentors…role models…leaders… coaches…volunteers who are willing to give your child the most precious gifts of all: The gifts of our attention and our time.