Every professional sports organization competes for the attention of the young fan—kids ages 6 to 14 years old—all of whom are deciding their favorite sports and long-term team loyalties.
The Chicago Bears pay particularly close attention to this decision. As the nation’s most popular sport, football has a tremendous advantage. And recently the Chicago Bears were one win away from a Super Bowl appearance. But all Chicago sports teams are popular and winning. Given this formidable competition, how do the Bears maintain their place as “favorite team” among the youngest fan demographic?
One strategy features the Bears providing terrific opportunities for children to learn and play the great game of football, such as the Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps—their official youth camp program.
These week-long, day-camps provide non-contact football instruction to kids from ages 6 to 14 years old.
The Bears believe the safe, non-contact program model is the most effective way to teach the kids, while providing comfort to parents with concerns about tackle football. Their philosophy is simple: Today’s youth football players are the NFL stars and fans of tomorrow. The more kids understand and play the game, the more they like it.
“We want football to be accessible to kids.” says program director Tom Finks. “In order to do this, the camps need to be conveniently located, safe and high quality. We have tremendous coaching resources, including many alumni Bears players. The non-contact format allows us to safely introduce the game to newcomers, while at the same time we can challenge and develop experienced players.”
While youth football camps are common, very few non-contact programs are available. Finks believes the Bears are filling that void and providing a great option for kids who like the game.
Finks has been around football and the Winnetka area most of his life. He attended New Trier High School. His late father Jim Finks was once the Chicago Bears General Manager and is a member of the NFL Hall of Fame. And he is applying some of his Dad’s philosophy to the camp curriculum.
“One thing I learned from my Dad is athleticism comes first,” said Finks. “Whether it was a quarterback, linebacker or an offensive lineman, the player needed to demonstrate a wide variety of skills, speed and agility. He loved lineman who could run, catch and shoot a basketball. That idea of ‘developing athleticism’ is a key part of our non-contact football camps.”
Finks listed a number of unique modifications the Bears apply to their camp initiative. The purpose is to make the camps as accessible as possible for kids to attend. Those differences include:
*NON-CONTACT INSTRUCTION: All 28 program locations offer non-contact instruction. With non-contact instruction, any athlete who likes the game can try it. Kids wear t-shirts and shorts and develop skills without any issues related to tackle practice.
*HIGH QUALITY STAFF WITH HEROES: Camps are led by professional educators with high school or college coaching experience. These staffers travel to all 28 different camp locations. Former Bear players such as Robin Earl, Mickey Pruitt, Kris Haines, Allan Ellis, Jim Morrissey, Al Harris and others provide supplemental instruction at all camps. Certified athletic trainers, provided by AthletiCo, are also available.
*CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: The Bears have 28 different camp locations scheduled, including camps in Winnetka, Northfield and Glenview during June and July.
*FIVE-DAY CAMPS: Programs are week-long, full-day camps that provide comprehensive instruction to kids ages 6 to 14 years old. The full-day format certainly helps households with two working parents.
*THE RIGHT PRICE: Group discounts, customer discount opportunities and payment plans are available. Even at the full retail price of $389, customers are paying $13 per hour or less for the camp week. Financial aid scholarships are also available.
For more about Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps, visit www.BearsCamps.com or call 312-226-7776.
