Parents,

We know we have had a tough go of it the last few weeks however, we still have very high expectations of our team this season and apparently we are not the only ones who feel that way. Last night, there was an AYF meeting (Which happens once a month) and the Head of Leyden, who is also the head of the  Midwest for Nationals, informed us that he watched our recent game against his Leyden Cadets. It is his opinion that our team has a good chance to win the play-offs which would qualify us qualify to go to Orlando in December. The team that wins the Play-offs will obviously qualify for the trip to the National tournament but there is also the opportunity of winning what they call “An invitational bid” of which the Midwest National Director feels our team may be good enough to get invited provided we play well in the Play-offs.
 
If the team really wants to see this season thru to the end in a valiant way, and assuming that we are all committed to working together to create the best opportunity that we can for the kids, then we must stand together to form a united front throughout the balance of this season.  Which requires the continued efforts of having the boys at practices and the games. We need to be as close to perfect from here on out.  
 
Play-offs start the weekend of October 31st and November 1st. and continue every weekend through championship weekend which is November 21st and 22nd weekend. AYF Nationals in Orlando are from December 4th- December 11th.
 
There will be a mandatory coaches meeting before the play-offs. (which I think is next week) At that time we need to tell them our commitment status regarding our desire to participate in the National Conference in Florida. Here is how it works, we will be asked to inform the AYF board if our team is either A “yes” or “no” regarding  our desire to go as a team to Nationals. We are sending this e mail to understand how many of the team parents are willing to come with us to Florida and if you are willing to make both the monetary and time commitment to this amazing experience. (By this I mean the week of time and the expenses associated with getting to and from Florida and the Hotel stay while we are there. Approximately 1,200.00 for a single parent and child for the week, including airfare.) If parent(s) cannot make it I am sure we will have plenty of chaperone along to help out.

If we commit in writing to the AYF, and should we Win in the playoffs or be selected by invitation to participate, we must then honor our commitment and attend the National tournament! If we tell them we will go and back out there is a very harsh punishment for the entire program starting the following year. I am not certain but I think we could actually get suspended for two years from the AYF if we state that we will go and then back out.
 
This is a special trip. Both the kids and parents will have a blast and fantastic experience that they will never forget! Our job as parents is not only about the guidance we offer to mold our children, but to also seize opportunities that can create memories to last a life time!   

With all this said, please respond back to us before Sunday evening this week with your confirmation as to weather or not you are willing to participate in this opportunity. We will inform the AYF of our intentions early next week.

If you would like to learn more about the National Conference, follow this Link to the AYF web site. Click on (Championship off the home page) http://americanyouthfootball.com

Howard Harris

Hello all,

My name is Tyler Bosch and I am one of the assistant coaches for the Cadet team. I am really excited to work with this great group of kids. I think we are going to have a great season. I just wanted to let you know a little bit about myself. I am the Director of Operations for Athletic Republic Winnetka. Athletic Republic is a performance sports training company that has been around for over 20 years. We recently added this new franchise in Winnetka in January. We are located within Fitness Revolution a personal training studio. Athletic Republic works to improve speed, agility and strength for athletes of all ages. We have programs designe for all age level. First and foremost we want to correct any biomechanical flaws our athletes may have in their running, jumping and cutting techniques. One of the things I want to do to help our team is to bring everyone in (free of charge) the first two weeks where we switch from 5 times a week to 3 times a week of practice. With summer winding down we have had several of our kids on vacations and still coming home from camp. This will allow our team to get back into football shape and prepare them for the season. I am still working out the schedule but I just wanted to put this out there. These training sessions will either be held on Wednesday or Fridays and the teams will be split into two groups each group working out for 1 hour. I will have more details later this week. I look forward to meeting all of you. Also another trainer from our facility will be helping coach as well. His name is Ryan Newman he is a former collegiate football player and currently he is the head football recruiter for NCSA the national recruiting service. Thank you, Tyler Bosch