Lake Nona Jr. Lions summer conditioning starts soon, making it a great time for your child to sharpen their football skills before the season starts in August. Registered athletes and returning players will have the opportunity to have fun while learning and gaining new experiences with their peers.
If your child has not yet registered for the upcoming 2019 football season, spots are still available. Register online at www.LakeNonaJrLions.com. Be sure to also follow our Facebook page at Lake Nona Youth Sports for updates.
Conditioning works on the mechanics of a sport and increases skill levels and confidence while also taking kids outside of their comfort zone, forcing them to persevere through uncertainties and fears.
Coach Dan Riordan adds, “We live in Florida, and it is HOT! While we have an acclimation period during the first two weeks of practice in August, not all kids are involved in another sport. Conditioning allows the athletes the opportunity to be in great physical condition prior to actually stepping onto the football field in August.”
Student athletes will learn new techniques while reviewing common drills. They can expect strength cross-training, conditioning, speed, agility, and flexibility drills. Consistent play is the best way to improve their game. Children learn that hard work pays off, especially if they wish to continue to higher levels.
It can also be an opportunity for beginners who will learn basic skills and determine if they want to pursue the game. If they do, they will have a foundation to carry them forward. For advanced players, summer conditioning is an excellent refresher of abilities during the long summer break.
Riordan says, “It is much easier to learn and perform when you’re in great physical condition.”
Regarding summer heat, coaches will monitor the heat index and are trained in identifying heat stress in athletes. “We take every precaution to keep the athletes safe, but the number one thing that will keep players safe is staying hydrated. And that starts at home, not just at practice,” says Riordan.
The cost of conditioning is included in football registration. If your student played last year, we welcome them to participate in conditioning this summer at no additional charge. Youth athletes who did not register last year, nor have registered yet this year, will incur a small fee of less than $40 to cover insurance. (Register now to take advantage of free conditioning!)
Players should bring cleats, water, a towel and a winning attitude.
Dates and times:
May: 14, 16, 21, 23
June: 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
July: 9, 11, 16, 18
The Lake Nona Youth Sports, LLC organization is dedicated to providing invaluable life lessons through sports and community involvement. The organization was formed in 2004 with some local visionaries who had a passion for sports and kids. Our goal is to provide the youth of our community the ability to participate, learn and excel in sports. The organization is a not-for-profit organization, 501(c)(3), fostering an environment for the youth in our community to learn and grow in sports, serving children ages 5-14.
We are supported through community volunteers, dedicated parents, dynamic coaches and local business affiliations, and our program has been thriving. For the last 10 years, about 3,000 registrations have been completed for several sports: football, cheer, lacrosse, and wrestling, plus partnerships with baseball and rowing teams. We look forward to another GREAT season and continued improvement for the youth of Lake Nona!
If you can help Lake Nona Youth Sports with a donation or sponsorship for a young athlete or are interested in filling a volunteer role, contact C.R.Dunnavant@LakeNonaYouthSports.org. Lake Nona Youth Sports is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and your donation might be tax-deductible.
Sophia Rogers serves on the Board of Directors for Lake Nona Youth Sports as Director of Communications. She can be reached at Sophia.Rogers@LakeNonaYouthSports.org
