Mizzou Rampage Youth Football Program Overview

The Mizzou Rampage Youth Football program is dedicated to fostering a positive and developmental environment for young athletes in the Kansas City area. We strive to instill values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship while promoting physical activity and community engagement.

Vision:

To be the premier youth football program in the region, recognized for developing well-rounded young athletes who excel on and off the field, and who are prepared for future success through the lessons learned in football. Specifically within our 14 and under division, our vision includes competing at the highest level and striving to win a national championship. We aim to cultivate a lifelong love for the sport and a strong sense of community among our players, families, and coaches.

Mission:

Our mission is to provide a structured and supportive football experience that prioritizes skill development, character building, and safety. We are committed to:

• Developing Fundamental Football Skills: Providing quality coaching to teach the proper techniques and strategies of football.
• Promoting Positive Character Traits: Instilling values such as respect, responsibility, perseverance, and teamwork.
• Ensuring a Safe and Fun Environment: Implementing safety protocols and fostering a positive atmosphere where young athletes can learn and grow.
• Engaging the Community: Building strong relationships with local schools, organizations, and families to support our program and its participants.

Philosophy:

At Mizzou Rampage, our program is built on a core philosophy centered around developing winning character, building strong individuals, and playing with relentless effort until the final whistle. We believe that success on the field is a byproduct of the values we instill in our athletes. This means:

• Developing Winning Character: We emphasize the importance of integrity, sportsmanship, and respect for teammates, opponents, and officials. We strive to cultivate leaders who demonstrate accountability, resilience, and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of their lives.
• Building Strong Individuals: We are dedicated to fostering personal growth and development beyond the game. We aim to build confidence, discipline, and a strong work ethic in each of our athletes, preparing them for future challenges and successes.
• Going to the Whistle Blow: We instill a mindset of unwavering effort and perseverance. We expect our players to compete with maximum intensity and commitment in every play, never giving up until the final whistle sounds. This dedication to effort and finishing strong is a cornerstone of our program.

Purpose:

The Mizzou Rampage Youth Football program serves several key purposes:

• To Introduce and Develop a Love for Football: Providing an opportunity for young athletes to learn the game of football in a fun and engaging way.
• To Foster Physical Fitness and Athleticism: Encouraging an active lifestyle and developing fundamental athletic skills such as agility, speed, strength, and coordination.
• To Teach Valuable Life Lessons: Using football as a platform to teach important life skills that extend beyond the field, including discipline, commitment, leadership, and the ability to overcome challenges.
• To Build Teamwork and Camaraderie: Creating a sense of belonging and fostering positive relationships among players through shared experiences and goals.
• To Provide a Positive Outlet: Offering a constructive and supervised activity for youth in the community.

Health and Wellness:

The health and well-being of our participants are paramount. The Mizzou Rampage Youth Football program is committed to:

• Prioritizing Player Safety: Implementing strict safety protocols during practices and games, including proper equipment usage and qualified coaching on safe tackling and blocking techniques.
• Requiring Medical Clearance: Ensuring all participants have a physical examination by a licensed physician to confirm their fitness to play.
• Promoting Physical Conditioning: Incorporating age-appropriate conditioning drills to enhance strength, endurance, and flexibility, reducing the risk of injuries.
• Educating on Nutrition and Hydration: Providing guidance on the importance of proper nutrition and hydration for optimal performance and health.
• Fostering a Positive Mental and Emotional Environment: Encouraging good sportsmanship, respect for opponents and officials, and a supportive team culture to promote mental well-being.
• Concussion Awareness and Management: Implementing protocols for recognizing, reporting, and managing concussions, adhering to best practices and medical guidelines to ensure the safety of our athletes.
• Qualified Medical Personnel (as available): Striving to have trained medical personnel or certified athletic trainers present at games and potentially practices to address any injuries that may occur.

The Mizzou Rampage Youth Football program is more than just a football team; it's an opportunity for young athletes to develop as individuals, learn valuable life lessons, and build lasting friendships, guided by a philosophy that emphasizes character, personal growth, and relentless effort, with a focused ambition in our 14U division to compete for and win a national championship.