Happy Holidays

Hi Everyone,

We want to make sure we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. We hope you will be able to take time out to enjoy family and friends at this time of year.

Peace and Joy,

Your friends at Hartford Youth Football

Social Media

Hello again everyone,

We always try to communicate to you in as many ways as possible. We are happy to announce that we have added podcasts to our website. We'll keep you informed in the offseason on what is going on. Let us know if this helps you.

Go Hartford Football!

Coach Whitemore

Tommorow Begins Today

Hello Everyone,

As the Marketing Director, one of the fun things I get to do is talk to all of you at the banquet. Last night, I got to roll out our new 2011 campaign - "Tomorrow Begins Today". I'll talk about it again tonight at the Black Teams banquet.

It speaks about the need to plan ahead, beginning now for players that want to play high school ball - get into youth now and learn the fundamentals. It speaks to high school players about working hard to prepare for the next level. It speaks to college players about what you need to do to be successful at a pro level.

Back this all up, and it starts with youth football. Beyond practices and games, think about off-season commitments to speed and conditioning camps, kicking camps, weightlifting (for older players), and other activities to help prepare a player to be successful at multiple levels. It means thinking about other sports that help football - like wrestling and track (for strength and speed). It also speaks to the player's family about the commitments they must make to align schedules, vacations, etc. so the player can make those commitments.

We know you have a lot going on as parents, and we can't tell you enough how much your support means to us. We are successful because of you, and your player is successful because you know - tomorrow begins today.

Until next time,

Go Hartford Football

Coach Rob 

2011 Planning Has Started

Hi Everyone,

My coaching duties may have ended for the season, but there is a lot of marketing work to be done now to prepare for 2011. We will unveil our 2011 theme tomorrow at the post-season banquet.
Also, watch in the near future for registration information in the local papers, and elsewhere.
Winter camps information will be shared, and there will be some offseason presents in the form of pictures and videos posted to our Flickr and Facebook pages.
So, remember football throughout the year, as we have a lot to share with you in the offseason!

Until next time,

Go Hartford Football!

Coach Rob

What A Week For Football

Hello Everyone,

What an exciting (and heartbreaking) week for Hartford Football! Our youth teams went 5-3 against good opponents to finish the season on a strong note. The kids had fun, and now look forward to the offseason (or hopefully next year).

Hartford Varsity had two playoff games in one week in a bracket stacked with great opponents. They ended their season with the Level II playoff loss at home to Middleton. I know many of these players, and I know they took it hard. Let's all tell them to keep their heads up, they represented Hartford well, and never quit in any games they played. They took Middleton right down to the end of the game and showed they were not giving up. Hartford didn't lose - they ran out of clock.
So here is to a team that our youth should look up to, and play like - go hard until the final whistle.

With that, we hope you enjoyed all of Hartford's football this season,

Coach Rob
Go Hartford Football!

Thank You!

Hi Everyone,

I am moving into my last of week of practice as a Hartford Youth Football coach. It has been my privilege to work with your sons for the last 6 years. It has been the most rewarding experience I have ever had, and I have had fun participating in the best game around. It is fun watching Varsity seniors this year that I knew in youth football.

THANK YOU for all of your support over the years, it has been greatly appreciated. I will continue to be a board member for a transitional period to make sure we keep up what we started with our new communication methods to keep you informed, and to make sure we let all Hartford area kids know they have a club opportunity to play football.

So I will enjoy this week, and thank you again for your support over the years!

As Always - Go Hartford Football!

Coach Rob

Banquet Planning Time

Hi Everyone,

We are rapidly approaching the end of another season (where did the time go??).

With that, it is time for our volunteer coordinators for the banquets to kick into high gear, which they have been doing.

There will be two dinners this year, as with 8 teams now it is not practical to have everyone on the same night. Details for parents are on the website, and we urge you to check that.

For example, it includes what to bring, whether you are going to the Orange Teams banquet or the Black Teams banquet:
Hot Dish if your last name begins with I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R
Salad if your last name begins with S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
Dessert if your last name begins with A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H

So please participate in the banquet, have fun, and - THANK YOU for all you do for Hartford Youth Football!

Until next time,

Go Hartford Football!

Coach Rob

Keeping Up With Technology

Hi Everyone,

Football is a game that has been around for a looooong time. Many time-honored traditions. It's also a game about change. Offenses have changed to more spread and wildcat to mention a few, defenses change to try to keep up.
One of the ways we try to keep up for you from a communication standpoint is to leverage current technologies to keep you informed.
Obviously, we use blogs so coaches can keep you updated on a weekly basis during the season (see the Blog of the Week), we use Twitter to relay scores when we can (for high school games, too!) and share other important information instantly (storms that stop practice), we use Facebook for photo, text and video updates, and now we have added Flickr to share more pictures of game day action.
This is all designed to keep you up to date with what is going on. We encourage you to continue to use traditional methods as well - telephone and e-mail.
Hopefully, you get enough info to help you make it through the season. We appreciate all the help you give us, and hope we are helping you manage your way through it.

Until next time,

Go, Hartford Football!

Coach Rob

Halfway Home

Hi Everyone,

After Saturday, we will be halfway through the season! There have been challenges already, but most players I talk to say they are having fun. Teams have been competitive for the most part, and fans have been supportive. I will remind everyone again that coaches are responsible for fans' behavior, so please be considerate and leave the officiating to the officals. Coaches will discuss penalties with the officials - sit back and enjoy the game.

October is always a fun month for football - crisp weather, sometimes snow! As we move into this month, we can always use extra volunteers. So, if you can, please help out. We appreciate every hour you can give us.

Until next time,

Go Hartford Football!

Coach Rob

Game 3 Tomorrow

Good luck to all teams tomorrow. After being home for the last two weeks, Black teams go on the road. Here's wishing they have a great time and execute well.
Orange teams get their first taste of home when they play West Bend tomorrow. Should be fun.
Remember, be a fan with good sportsmanship. It's OK to be passionate, but within the bounds of good behavior.
We'll see everyone on the field, and in the stands.

Until then,

Go Hartford Football!

Coach Rob

Game 1 is under our belts

It was a fun start to the season with some of the teams experiencing wins. 8th grade had a tough go, but hopefully will bounce back in week 2. 7th grade had mixed results but a very competitive showing, going 0-1-1 with great efforts. 6th grade started strong with both teams winning, and Black getting a shutout (congrats!). 5th grade was very competitive as well, with Black winnning and Orange coming ever so close.

What showed is that practice is important! Mental as well as physical conditioning are very important. 6th grade Orange drew at least 5 offsides penalties against Brookfield East because they were disciplined; 7th grade Orange tied because their defense never tired.

Make sure your son is at offensive practices so they know formations and plays - that is such a huge part of the mental game, and improves their chances of more rotations in games. Players that don't know formations or assignments will struggle in games, and that's not fair to them or their teammates.

Until Week 2,

Go Hartford Football!

Coach Rob

One Week Away!

Hi Everyone,

Well, our season starts one week from today. Most players are ready to go, and are working hard. It's time to find out who is focused on what needs to be done. It will show on the field. Practices have become more focused, as our own team started special teams practices this past week.
Looking forward to a fun year, we'll see you on the field.

Remember to have your player at his game at least one hour prior to game time, otherwise find out from your coach how early they need to be there.

Now that school has started, coaches have shared that school comes first. Homework should be a priority so kids don't miss practice. Think of football as their playtime, and get their work done. It will help them balance all of their activities. We all want them to do well in school.

Until next time,

Go Hartford Football!
Coach Rob

On To The Season Opener

Hi Everyone,

Well, scrimmages are over. Now it is on to the regular season opener for all teams. We look forward to playing at "our house" in September. Thanks to all the families that got their players to scrimmages in August. You can see that the players have a good time playing against other opponents. It's a good measure of progress, but shouldn't be considered as a final barometer of how a team will perform.

There are still a few weeks to work out the kinks, and then we're all 'ready for some football"

See you at the games!

Until next time,

Coach Rob
Go, Hartford Football!

It's Football Season!

Hi Everyone,

It's football season! We have our first practice day in - we had great weather for all teams. We had many parents watching (thank you for respecting our need to keep all practice areas clear), and it was a very good day. Those players that ordered custom mouthguards got fitted and got them today. If you want one for your son, you can sign up - check with your coach about it.

Most importantly, keep your son hydrated throughout the day. Stay away from sodas, and drinks like Red Bull, Monster, etc. They do not help, and can lead to dehydration. Water is best, Gatorade/Powerade if they need to.

Players should always eat light before practice, or as Coach Jewell says, "You'll leave it on the field."

A few tips as we start the season.

Go Hartford Football,

Coach Rob

Equipment Pickup

Hi Everyone,

Well, we are getting very close to practice time! This week will be equipment pickup for all grades - Monday for 8th, Tuesday for 7th, Wednesday for 6th, and Thursday for 5th. The club provides helmets, shoulder pads, mouthguards, practice pants, practice jerseys, and game jerseys & pants.

Don't forget your equipment fees are due at pickup, but they are refundable if you fulfill your volunteer hours in-season (or out-of-season events like our marketing activities).

Practice will be here in 2 short weeks! Remember, only coachese and players are allowed on the practice fields at any time because of insurance and safety considerations.

Until next time,

Go Hartford Football!
Coach Rob

Get Ready For Football!

Hi Everyone,
We are now only 3 weeks away from practice. Families should have received equipment handout information. In addition to the equipment that we provide, we see many players buy football gloves and their own mouthguards or chin straps. This is fine, but the mouthguards and chin straps must meet league requirements. Chinstraps can only be black or white, and mouthguards cannot be clear and must be connected to the faceguard of the helmet. Keep this in mind when purchasing.

When we do start practices, it is important for all parents to understand that because of insurance liability and safety concerns, only players and coaches are allowed on the practice fields from the time practice starts until it ends. This includes any sprints at the end of practice.

See you in a few weeks,

Go Hartford Football!
Coach Whitemore

The countdown has begun!

It is now only 34 days until practices start! We'll be in the 4th of July parade, and have some visibility at Maxwell Street Days on July 14th. Expect to see and hear more of us now as we begin to go into high gear.
We have already done some prep for this season, ordering apparel you will be able to buy, getting coaches certified, and getting volunteers lined up to help out.
Thanks to everyone for your time, efforts and support - without that we are not successful! We are looking forward to another fun season!

Go Hartford Football!

Coach Rob

It's Summer Camp Time

Hi Everyone,

It is now time to think Football! This is summer camp season, and the Hartford Youth Football Camp starts today. There are other camp opportunities - check out our Links page at www.hartfordyouthfootball.com where you can find them for not only youth, but high school as well.
It is important for players to remember as the weather gets hot to stay hydrated throughout the day. Another good thing to remember is not to eat too heavily prior to a practice. Eat light, and bring water. Avoid sports drinks, stick to water (Gatorade if you have to), and especially avoid soda - not good for muscle development. Drink chocolate milk as a recovery drink after practice to get vitamins back. It's also a good idea for kids to start running now to get in shape for when we start practicing in August. It makes the first practices easier to manage.

Just a few tips as we move into the core practice/camp season for football.

I will be posting more now that activities are picking up. Watch for coaches blogs to start up again soon, once we start practicing in August (only 53 days away!)

Go Hartford Football!

Coach Rob

It's Spring Camp & Clinic Time!

Hi Everyone,

It's been a fun March, with coaches getting together at the AAYFL clinic and listening to Carroll College coaches; and attending the WFCA Clinic in Madison listening to coaches like John Harbaugh from the Baltimore Ravens, Brett Bielema from the Wisconsin Badgers, and other high school, college and NFL coaches as they shared X's and O's with attendees at the largest coaches clinic in the country!

These clinics help us learn the techniques we pass on to your kids as they become players (and who knows, maybe coaches in their future?).

Now is the time to think about clinics for players. Kohl's kicking camps have begun, Nike has already run the Chicago area combine, and soon we will publish info on Hartford Youth and High School camps. We always encourage you to think about football in the offseason, and now is the time to do just that so you don't miss out.

Keep an eye on hartfordyouthfootball.com for info on clinics as it becomes available. It can only help your player.

Until next time,

Go Hartford Football,
Coach Whitemore

Steak Fry

Hi Everyone,

Sorry it has been awhile since my last post. It is a busy offseason with a coaches winter meeting, board meetings, registration events, and an upcoming steak fry (not to mention the coaches clinic in Madison in March). In between, I have been updating the website and Facebook pages.
Don't miss the steak fry on March 13th - it should be a fun time. It is sponsored by Hartford Football, with an assist from Youth Football. We are all one big football family, and it is great to have the support of the High School staff!
Reminder that we are still looking for players to join this year. If you know some 4th graders that will be in 5th grade this fall (2010) and love football, get them to consider signing up. Our fees are much lower this year, thanks to our fundraiser.
Think football, even in the offseason - we do!

Go Hartford Football,

Rob

New Year, New Opportunities

Happy New Year, everyone! With the new year come new opportunities for our club. We have lowered fees for the 2010 season, and we have our first on-site registration event on January 20, 2010 at the high school from 5-7 PM.
Last night we elected new officers for the Board, so we are set for the future.
We are beginning marketing activities in earnest, and will form a Marketing Committee in the next few weeks for additonal activities. Fundraising activities will now fall under Marketing.
Lots of things going on with coaching clinics coming up in the next 2 months, alignment with the Gridiron Club for a steak fry in March, and parade planning.
As you can see, we are busy all year long, making sure the club is well positioned for players to have fun playing football!

Go Hartford Football!
Coach Rob