The New Orleans Saints and the NFL will host a Coaching Academy on Saturday, June 4, 2005 at the Saints practice facility in Metairie for youth football coaches and parents. This will mark the third year in which the Saints and the NFL provide instruction to coaches and parents throughout the Gulf South region.

This year, the Saints are proud to have four NFL High School Coach of the Week recipients serve as instructors for the Academy who have between them 120 years of coaching experience. Jerry Horowitz won a state championship while at Kennedy High School in the Bronx (N.Y.) and now works for the NFL Youth Football Department. Ron Santavicca is the head coach at Yorktown (N.Y.) High School where he won back-to-back state titles. He also coached the secondary at the University of Maine. Ray Seals is the head coach of Madison High School in Houston, Texas and serves as president of the Houston Coaching Association. Last year’s NFL High School Coach of the Year, Tony DeMatteo, is the head coach at Somers (N.Y.) High School where his team won the state championship in 2003.

Last year, over 150 coaches took part in the program that is designed to elevate the quality of coaching at the youth level across America. By improving the quality of coaching, positive youth development will be fostered and the number of participants in the game will grow.

Space is limited. Don’t miss the chance to learn from the best coaches in the country as they discuss these topics:

Building a Successful Youth Football Program

Coaching the Young Quarterback and Defensive Back

Strength and Conditioning for the Young Athlete

Offensive and Defensive Technique

Building a Strong Offensive and Defensive Strategy

Registration is just $10 and lunch will be provided. Register now by calling the Saints Youth Programs Department at (504) 731-1789 or (504) 729-5529. The Saints and NFL Coaching Academy is open to youth football coaches as well as parents.