NFL Summer program helps develop life skills

Local high school football players will focus on character development and specific skill training when the National Football League’s High School Player Development (HSPD) program comes to town for a week, beginning July 5th through the 9th.

The camp, to be held at the Field of Dreams in Massapequa from 6 to 8 p.m. is “more than just about football,” said co-site director Joe Vito. “It also deals with character development. We also discuss life after high school, and life skills.”

Since its inception in 2001, the NFL’s nationwide HSPD program has provided participants with a curriculum that focuses on inspiring excellence in the classroom, community, and on the playing field. The program is free for students and participation in the program is expected to include more than 15,000 high-schoolers in 29 states nationwide. The character development portion of the week includes guest speakers, including NFL players and coaches, practical life lessons, preparation for standardized tests, and discussions on life after high school.

For the first time this year, members of the National Guard also will participate in the HSPD sessions, supporting coaches on site and speaking to young people about personal development and community service.

Each player receives an HSPD Student Planner, complete with weekly and monthly calendars, NCAA initial eligibility requirements, SAT information, and time management instruction.

On-field components of the HSPD program include fundamental skill development by position, reviews, and individual competitions. As part of on-field training, players focus on both an offensive and a defensive position, and eventually apply their newly-learned fundamentals to live drills. Participants have access to innovative teaching and drills developed by leading NCAA and NFL coaches.

Field of Dreams is located on Old Sunrise Highway in Massapequa. For more information call Joe Vito at (516) 593-1057 or (516 ) 345-7216.