Winnetka, IL—May 29, 2011— Northshore Youth Football has aligned its program with Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. (PWLS), a not-for-profit organization founded in 1929. The Trevians made the move, in part, because PWLS emphasizes the importance of academics just as much as it does safety and championship-caliber athletics.

“There has been a shift toward joining Pop Warner throughout the Chicago area,” said North Shore Youth Football President Mark Rice. “Focus on academics was certainly an appealing reason for us to join the organization, but we also felt the Pop Warner program offered far more tradition, experience and structure that better aligns with our organization’s core values.”

It became clear that Pop Warner was a better match for the student-athletes who participate in the North Shore program. Both Maine South HS and Evanston HS Feeder Programs, who are two of the top programs in the state, also joined Pop Warner with NSYF.

“Pop Warner’s philosophy has been that athletics and scholastics go hand in hand,” Rice said. “Pop Warner seeks to develop well-rounded young men who learn not only the fundamentals of football, but the importance of education in an atmosphere conducive to developing sound character while having fun.

“These heightened commitments proved to be a strong fit for the Trevian program, which also focuses on teaching its athletes about the importance of safety, community and character, as well as how to build confidence and have fun in a truly competitive environment.”

Chicagoland Pop Warner is the largest and most competitive youth football league in Illinois and part of PWLS which is also the most competitive nationally. Hundreds of thousands of athletes participate in Pop Warner athletics around the country. PWLS is a Partner of the NFL, provides support services, academic scholarships, grants and local/regional/national tournaments. The organization enables every child a place to play with age/weight protected divisions which help make the for most comprehensive competitive youth football athletics. 

Off Season Notes:

NSYF athletes have participated in many off season strength- and speed-training drills taking place in Winnetka and Glencoe. Training sessions included running, jumping and agility exercises. Players met weekly for eight weeks to participate in the drills.

NSYF Coaches Director and 14 year NFL veteran Fred Miller said the added practice not only helps keep athletes in physical shape and improve their technique, but also conditions them to maintain involvement with athletics during a busy school season.

“We want our athletes to stay active not just physically, but mentally during the off season,” Coach Miller said. “Attending workouts during the week days helps teach our athletes how to prioritize their time so they learn how to maintain academic obligations while also excelling at athletics.

7-on-7 Tournament Champions:

Members of the Northshore Youth Football 8^th grade 7 –on- 7 football team won their Chicagoland Championships May 16, 17 and 23. Eight teams from the Chicago area competed and the team came out on top as the tournament’s champions.

In addition to NSYF, teams included the Chicago Eagles, Palatine PHS, Chicago Vikings, St. Viator (Arlington Heights), St. Peter and Paul (Naperville), Hersey (Arlington Heights) and Burlington.

The North Shore team advanced through Championship Tournament by beating St. Peter & Paul in the first round, Burlington Panthers in the second round and Chicago Eagles in the Championship match. Players on the team were from Winnetka, Wilmette and Glencoe and were coached by Coaches Bond and Manchester. “It’s great to see our athletes look for opportunities to compete outside the core programs we offer through the Northshore program,” NFL veteran and head coach Fred Miller said. “Of course, winning is not everything, it’s not even something we emphasize all the time, but it sure is fun when it happens.”

New Trier Head Football Coach Dan Starkey said “Congratulations to the 8^th graders on their 7-on-7 championship.”

North Shore Youth Football Wins National Championship