F.A.Q.
Here are some common questions about New York City Elite Football.
The Year Round Program
What is the point of this?
Name another sport, and you will find that there are countless opportunities New York City for those athletes to improve, gain exposure, and travel to play in national scale events with the best and against the best. This New York City Elite program is that for FOOTBALL. The volunteers of this non-profit organization work tirelessly to feed the ambitions of children who live, eat, and breathe football. We encourage mult-sport participation. We are against kids banging helmets year-round. That’s not what this is about. This is about developing young football players and giving them the same opportunities in football as they might have in Basketball, Soccer, or another sport. This type of football program is not a new concept, it’s only new to Long Island. There are countless success models in the powerhouse football states. Here are two proven examples: Connecticut 5 Star Elite and Massachusetts Elite. Mass Elite won the National Championship last year.
Is NYC Elite private or non-profit?
New York City Elite Football is a non-profit charitable organization with 501(c)3 app dedicated to working with youth of all socio-economic backgrounds across all five boroughs of New York City who demonstrate an interest in football. The organization focuses on training, support, and guidance, therefore providing the resources needed to develop skills including but not limited to physical, social and emotional growth for both individual and team success. The program aims to teach its members responsibility, self-discipline, hard work and sportsmanship as they proceed on their journey from adolescence to young adulthood. The organization relies on fundraising and donations to assist in purchasing equipment and maintaining a low-cost program for the youth, as well as to provide financial support and stipends for disadvantaged talented youth who would like to participate in the program.
You said this is a year-round program, what is that about?
Name another sport, and you will find that there are countless opportunities on New York City for those athletes to attend year-round camps, clinics, and gain training. This program is that for FOOTBALL. Besides forming all-star teams for pre-season and post-season play and representing New York City in National events; the NYC Elite program offers clinics, camps, 7v7’s, and training year round to cultivate players and help them achieve excellence. There are numerous year-round training opportunites for players through our affiliations with coaches personal training facilities in the area . There are all sorts of player development opportunities in our program, it is not a full contact program where kids are just banging helmets all year.
Can anyone participate? Are there tryouts?
There are no tryouts for most of our clinics, training camps, combines, and other developmental programs. Some of our events like the New York City national championship teams do require tryouts. These are noted specifically.
Are the camps, clinics, etc., mandatory for National Team players?
Most camps and clinics are open to the public. They are not mandatory for current National Team players however they are strongly encouraged. The year-round New York City program offers players who are serious about football additional opportunities to hone their craft, gain exposure, and compete at a higher level throughout the year. Players can choose which opportunities they want to take advantage of. Some of the camps and clinics have a fee attached, and some are free for National Team players. Most National Team players participate in all of the events.
How much does it cost?
Some of our events are free, others have an associated cost and are noted accordingly. As a non-profit we do our best to keep costs down while providing maximum competency and value. We have a significant scholarship program.
New York City Elite National Teams
Will this interfere with my local league's football season?
No it will not. The New York City Elite National teams are formed for pre-season and post-season play.
What are the NYC Elite national teams ?
Every year NYC Elite holds tryouts and selects the top players in all of Long Island per age group. These players are chosen to represent Long Island in various national events. The most popular of these events is the post-season national championship tournament held in December, and there are also 7v7s, the Empire all-star game, the pre-season game in August and other events that teams participate in throughout the year.
When and where are tryouts held for NYC Elite national teams?
There are usually anywhere from 3 to 6 tryouts held in the spring at locations in the five boroughs.
What is the cost for tryouts?
There is a one-time tryout fee of $35 that includes a T-Shirt and allows a player to attend all of the tryouts. Tryouts are not only a chance to make the team, but they also serve as a great opportunity to receive coaching and honest feedback.
If I make the team, when and where are practices held?
The first event for national teams is the pre-season game in August. There are a few practices in June and July to prepare for that. The next and biggest event is the post-season national championship. Practice for that begins in July. There is typically 2-3 practices in the month of July, 1-2 practices in August, 1-2 practices in September, and 1-2 practices in October. There is 1 week break after the regular (local league) football season ends, and we then shoot to have at least 10 practices before the national championship tournament which is usually held in December. Practices are held wherever we are able to obtain field (or indoor space) and we attempt to make it as convenient of a location as possible. That being said; be prepared to travel if you make this team. While we do everything in our power to hold practice at a fair location for everyone (in some cases alternating fields) — you will have to travel to play on these teams. This is a special team, not your local team, and travel is required. Basketball and Soccer players travel up one end of the island and down the other, and very often out of state. The committment level for this football program is no different.
Do winter practices get held indoors and is there an additional cost?
The National Teams practice mostly outdoors. Occassionally there are indoor practices. Sometimes the indoor fees are covered by NYC Elite, and sometimes the fee is broken up among the teams.
If I make the team how much does it cost to join?
There is a registration fee to play on the NYC Elite post season national championship team. It is $185 and includes:
> Major exposure and showcase opportunity for players
> Includes full uniform and player gear package
> 30+ practices with highest caliber coaching staff
> The Liberty Challenge NYC vs. Long Island All-Star Game in June
> Pre-season game in August
> National championsip tournament in December
Players are responsible for providing their own helmet and shoulder pads. They are also responsible for covering their own travel, lodging, and meal expenses. We are always pushing for volume discounts and combined incentives for lodging, meals, and mass transit on coach buses. As our organization grows in sponsorship we will be looking for the possibility to subsidize travel and lodging for coaches and players.
There may be separate registration fees and additional costs associated with each additional event that the team participates in throughout the year. I.e. 7v7s, Spring Games, etc.
When are the selections made and teams decided?
NYC Elite begins to send invitations only after the final tryout is completed. National team rosters are announced on June 1.
What position will I be selected for, and will I play on both offense and defense?
Your head coach will decide which position you will play on the team and whether or not you play on both offense and defense. You may be selected for the position you normally play on your local team, or the coach might plug you into a different role on the national team. Some players play on one side of the ball, and others play on both, there are no guarantees. By accepting your invitation you agree to fulfill whatever responsibilities the head coach asks of you, and to the best of your ability.
Where do I register for tryouts?
Here on our website.
Is the National Team a year round commitment and if so, what exactly is the commitment?
We don’t have a single player in the program who solely plays football. All of these elite players are multi-sport athletes and we encourage that. Our intention is simply to offer additional opportunities for football players — similar to what you see in lacrosse, basketball, etc. Soccer has ODP, PDP, and of course lax has a very long list of activities to participate in. This is that for football.
Does NYC Elite provide equipment or do players provide their own?
Players wear their local team helmets. This is a nice way for players to honor and represent their local leagues within the NYC Elite program. Purchasing NYC Elite branded helmets is one of our long term goals.
How many family members will be able to attend the championship game? What will the cost of tickets to the event be?
Usually the games and tournaments have nominal admissions fees. Teams receive five complimentary wristbands for their coaches. All other coaches, staff, and families pay an admittance fee at the gate (typically $10 depending on the event). This fee is good for the entire event. Everyone must have a wristband for admittance.
In being on the New York City Elite National Team, what are the other costs incurred for the camps, clinics, summer tournaments etc.
Some of the clinics are free, others have a fee associated with them. Fees will cover the cost of any permits, uniforms, etc and will be reasonable. New York City Elite Football is a non-profit with 501c3 app. We are looking to keep costs down and where possible subsidize costs through sponsorship and fundraising. The costs associated with this program do not nearly compare to the costs of comparable opportunities in soccer or lacrosse.
Other
How can I get involved with NYC Elite Football?
We are on the lookout for the best coaches. We are also always looking for volunteers to help grow the organization including team moms, managers, recruiters, trainers, nutritionists, doctors, and more. Contact us.
New York City Elite Football is a non-profit corporation with 501.3(c) app pending.
We are an independent organization and although many of the volunteers, organizers, and coaches are involved in various outside teams and companies; NYC Elite Football is not part of a league. Our NYC Elite model is not new, it’s a proven model run by organizations in Massachusetts, Texas, Florida, Connecticut, Georgia, Ohio and other states who are at the top of the national championship polls every year. Each of these states has an organization like NYC Elite which serves as a pipeline to cultivate players and raise the level of football. Here are two very successful examples of many: Connecticut 5 Star Elite and Massachussets Elite