Athletic Academy run by CFL veterans: Training program aims to boost prospects' mobility, explosive agility and confidence
By HERB ZURKOWSKY, The GazetteFebruary 23, 2010
They share a common bond to this day - all played collegiate football at Vanier. And, although some of them advanced to the Canadian Football League, while others didn't, they've come together again, years later, to instill their knowledge and expertise in a fledgling business venture.
"We believe in this program," said Greenfield Park native Adrian Davis, a defensive lineman with the Toronto Argonauts who was drafted in the fourth round (33rd overall) by the Alouettes in 2006.
"Look at our football pedigree. We come from Greenfield Park, the North Shore, Châteauguay and Sun Youth, but we all played together and saw development," Davis continued. "If you're looking for someone to tell you how to get to the next level, I can tell you. We have football IQ. I didn't read it in a book or got here because I ran sprints. It comes down to work.
"We've dedicated our lives to football. We had to be serious. It's not a coincidence we're all sitting in this room. You can't find a better pedigree or mix."
Davis isn't foolish enough to suggest everyone who attends his Athletic Academy - an off-season football training program - will turn pro. But he and his colleagues believe they can improve a prospect's foundation and confidence with their series of workouts based on flexibility, co-ordination, footwork and stamina.
Davis believes off-season training is by far the most important aspect of the game - and he's not alone. Als head coach Marc Trestman told his players their chances of repeating as Grey Cup champions in 2010 will be decided by the level of their work and commitment this winter.
The Athletic Academy's now in its second year of existence. Davis was the driving force behind the venture, but has relied heavily on a number of fellow CFL veterans, including Als defensive-lineman Shawn Mayne; Winnipeg receiver Jabari Arthur and Edmonton receiver Kevin Challenger. Also assisting are a pair of former Concordia Stingers - defensive-lineman Will Miller, a recent graduate of the John Molson School of Business, and Blake Butler, a receiver now working in graphic design.
From an inauspicious beginning last year that saw them operate primarily out of an inadequate facility on Côte de Liesse Rd. that was difficult to locate, the Athletic Academy has grown in its second year, going from 35 or 40 recruits to about 50.
It now operates out of three venues, including the West Island YMCA on Brunswick Blvd., conducting six-, eight-, 12- and 16-week programs for juniors, seniors and elite prospects, four days per week, the sessions lasting anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. Indeed, it has become a full-time venture for Davis and the others, occupying much of their off- season from Jan. 11.
Other than a two-week break at the beginning of March, it seems they're constantly teaching or attending minor football banquets in search of potential clients. The Athletic Academy's youngest prospect is 10. The program's not gender exclusive to males, with several members of the female Montreal Blitz having signed up as well.
The rules are simple: Come with clean athletic footwear, a shirt and shorts. And be prepared to work. The first session, incidentally, is free.
"We try and offer the kids what they like, instead of making it too advanced," Davis explained. "We keep it fun and fresh, and keep them interested. It's not so much football-related. It's not the obvious things, like teaching them how to catch or tackle. It's more about movement and co-ordination ... balanced side movements. As a defensive lineman, I know the importance of leg explosion and how to come out of my stance. It's important to teach the fundamentals, like how to stay low or bend the knees. And we're here to work. We don't ask them to do anything we can't do or haven't done."
Butler added: "The kids are going to leave as better athletes. A lot will have improved mobility, explosive agility and confidence. I can't tell you how often a kid has put himself in position where he doesn't believe he can do something. We just want them to have confidence in themselves."
Shea Vincent-Guppy, a 14-year-old running back for the Lakeshore Cougars, has nothing but praise for the program.
"I have more endurance and have learned to use my arms," he explained. "It also provides a good workout for my legs. I think I'm going to be faster next season and be able to run by more people."
For more info about open houses, promotional offers and session pricing, visit www.AthleticAcademy.ca
hzurkowsky@thegazette.canwest.com
Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Helping+kids+take+next+level/
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Thanks Cliff W.
