Parent Testimonials:

Our two sons, Jack and Matthew, have played for the Trevians for the past three years. We selected this program because of its positive coaching philosophy and exposure to the best competition in northern Illinois. The boys have learned much in the way of character, team work, sportsmanship, and mental toughness. The coaching staffs are extremely dedicated and the entire operation is first class. Most importantly, they are having fun and can’t wait for next season.

Brian Moran

Northfield

I coached in the Wilmette Park District for many years and when we moved our son to Trevian Football I received a whole new coaching experience. I went through a certification process and learned new ways to conduct more efficient and fun practices focusing on smaller groups, more reps and giving positive reinforcement to the players. The result: the kids learned with greater eagerness, produced more on the field and we won 3x as many games with fewer injuries. My son developed more as a player, felt better about himself and the team, met some great kids and he JUST LOVES FOOTBALL. GO TREVIANS!!

Dana Palmer

Wilmette 

Sad to see it end but what a great experience Tucker had! Thanks to all the awesome coaches for your efforts and for all the time you gave to our boys! Tucker learned a lot, had fun, gained confidence and made some great friends. What more could a parent ask for? 
 

Katie Froelich

Highland Park

We are sad to see the season end. Jake looked forward to football each week and will miss seeing his teammates and his coaches. It was a fantastic season with many wins and a few loses with no serious injuries. Thank God. Thank you again for all of your hard work. We look forward to seeing everyone next season.

Meredith Segal

Winnetka

You all truly taught the Cadets that there is more to football than just winning the game. You taught the boys leadership, sportsmanship, responsibility, adversity, and respect. That is a priceless gift! What a great season you gave the boys. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication! All the Best,

Ryan and Ally Mack

Deerfield

Being part of the Trevian program goes far beyond learning football fundamentals. Our 3 sons also learned the concepts of sportsmanship, teamwork, humility in winning (and losing), accepting both praise and constructive criticism, and how to work hard to achieve goals. They also gained much from the weekly character lessons. Their experiences with the Trevians were rewarding, boosted their self-confidence and maturity, and helped them appreciate and develop their athletic abilities. They couldn’t wait for the weekly game film to be posted so we could review it together. He summed it all up appropriately as any 11-year old by saying:  “It was fun!” He can’t wait for next season. Also, participating in the program as an assistant coach contributed immeasurably to our special relationship. It’s rewarding to see our young players work so hard at practice, then the joy on their faces after winning a hard fought game. Coach Rice has done far more than develop a winning program, as evidenced by the positive attitude exhibited by the boys at practice, before, during and after each game.

Greg Horvitz

Glencoe

We miss our boys being Trevians, we truly enjoyed watching them and the rest of the team play. They started in flag football then went on to play with the Trevians 4th thru 8th grade. They enjoyed practices and were super pumped up when it came to game day. You not only taught them the fundamentals of football, you taught teamwork, how to stay focused, be respectable and how to have fun. You made football a great experience, you have taught him valuable life lessons that they will keep with him forever. While we won a lot of games and championships, I don't think they ever thought it felt like "work" and had a blast.

Steve  Lumley

Winnetka

We would like to say a few things about the program. Our son played last season and has benefited in so many ways it is difficult to put them all into words. From the very beginning we appreciated the no-nonsense approach of this program and the player-focused mentality of the coaching staff. The coaching staff sets individual goals and works with players to meet and exceed those goals which are entirely the choice of the player. This is exactly what we wanted for our son....the experience early on in his life to learn that his own destiny is based directly on his input, output and attitude. You do the work - you reap the benefits. Our son has gained so much poise and self-esteem from this program that if asked to put a dollar amount on the experience it wouldn't be possible. My son has to work hard and he knows that. In return for his hard work the coaches granted him playing time, which proved he could perform, which built his self-worth and belief in his own ability, and resulted in a player that was proud of himself and his team. We solidly believe that his first year of football with the Trevians and Coach Rice and NFL Veteran Coach Fred Miller has resulted in a more mature young man who loves the game and realizes his own potential. Finally, we would like to point out that this program requires parents that stand back and allow the coaches and players to work together, to trust the program and to understand that its goal is entirely for the player and no one else. It's for the kids to develop their own character and become a part of something bigger than themselves. 

Jeff Lowell

Glencoe

The North Shore Youth Football organization is an excellent program for student athletes that are either just getting started in football or continuing to develop their skills. Our son was a 8th grader this past year and was new to the program. The way the Trevians run their program was a perfect fit for our son and family. The skills that were taught were fundamentally sound. Practices were run very efficiently and allowed no time for goofing around. Our son thrives on structure so we could tell he appreciated the fact that he knew what to expect each and every practice and game.

The coach/player ratio was about 4 to 1 which allowed a lot of individual attention. The coaching staff all had prior experience either as coaches or players at the college level. Their commitment to the team and our son was very much appreciated. Not only did they teach football fundamentals but they also taught life lessons that will help our son as he develops into a young man. We as a family have enjoyed and benefited greatly from this program and will continue to be a part of it in the future. As Jake said it the best “Playing for the Trevian All American 8^th grade team gave me the best way to improve my skills and gave me an advantage over other kids who want to play football at New Trier next year. Plus it was a lot of fun.”

John Manchester

Wilmette

This year was my son's first experience with tackle football, and we were somewhat apprehensive. Within two weeks of the start of the season the Trevians put that to rest. Mark Rice has put together a coaching staff that is second to none. I was allowed to help coach as an assistant and boy did we have fun too. They are able to maintain a unique balance between learning, discipline, and fun. I was able to watch Sheridan's knowledge, confidence, and love of the game grow weekly. The Trevians help prepare boys for life on and off the field. I would highly recommend this organization to anyone wanting a quality, competitive football experience for their son.  

Scott Clayborne

Highland Park

My son had never played football or any other sport. I was pleased at the knowledge and character of the head coach. There was no beating around the bush, he let our boys and parents know exactly what he expected of us. I saw my son grow in ways I didn’t expect. He grew in character, was excited to go to practice and learn about the game, but the biggest difference was his perseverance. This was a kid who did not finish things and would get frustrated and give up easily. I watched him make a goal and finish it! Being part of this team gave him confidence as a person as well.  The coaches were great at giving constructive criticism in a way that did not demean or put down, but encouraged and built them up. He still has a lot to learn about the game but I have no doubt playing for these coaches and this program will make that experience a great one! While the Trevians do win and the program is competitive, it is obvious they care more about the kids than they do the wins. And they care about all the kids, not just the star players, we are anxious to start next year already.

Lori Kelly

Deerfield