LTN has developed a unique and comprehensive set of programs to develop character, leadership and athleticism of college bound athletes ages 14-17. LTN will utilize camps and clinics, academic reinforcement and leadership training to teach youth the fundamental basics of life, sports and character. Our programs fall under three major areas: LTN College Bound; LTN Dream Camp; and our LTN Tournament of Champions.

LTN College Bound

LTN College Bound is a student athlete development program established to serve students who have college aspirations with academic reinforcement, recruitment education, and leadership development. The components of LTN College Bound are as follows:

Academic Reinforcement

We believe that the college bound athlete must pay strict attention to academics. We offer PSAT/PACT training. We have developed partnerships with excellent SAT and ACT testing consultants, specializing in strategies to help students improve their test scores. Tutoring services are also provided for CORE school subjects such as English, Math, Science, History, and Foreign Languages. If an athlete falls below the required 2.5 average, he will be required to receive tutoring in his sub-par subjects and he will be prohibited from playing with the team until the grades improve to the minimum standards.

 

College Visits

Freshmen through rising seniors are availed the opportunity to visit a minimum of five colleges from January through June. These regional visits are three day tours, usually beginning on Friday and ending on Sunday. Athletes will see campuses, interact with athlete program officials and coaches, receive an academic and athletic overview of the institution’s expectations and recruiting requirements for incoming athletes.

 

Leadership Development

Our leadership training focuses on good decision making, character development and respect for others. Our Mentors, Directors and Coaches are selected based on the most rigorous criteria of character. They not only lead by example, but also set expectations for our athletes. We hold leadership and character development seminars by offering a comprehensive speaking series, travel and etiquette, and by teaching hands on leadership skills using the highest standards of the industry.

 

Civic Responsibility

LTN is committed to building a sense of civic responsibility among those impacted by our organization. We require all our program participants to fulfill their duties of social responsibility by performing community service hours in reaching out to those in need in at least one of the following areas:

 

• Homeless
• Food Drives
• Clothing the needy
• Armed Services--visiting veterans hospitals or active military

Recruiting Education

Parents and athletes are educated about the best practices to utilize for college aspirations. LTN has developed a comprehensive program that informs parents of the NCAA requirements for football athletes, NCAA Eligibility Center registration, and how to approach receiving financial aid through scholarships, grants and low interest loans. Additionally, LTN’s experienced staff assists athletes and parents in developing personal recruiting plans that include: choosing a college, exposure camp strategies, using recruiting tools and websites, and an advisory program.

 

Questions Parents Should Consider Asking In College Sports Interviews

Geographical Location--the institution is located where the student wishes to live

Proximity to home--is the institution close enough that parents can have reasonable access to the student and the campus? Is the institution located close enough to home for the student?

Desired Major--the institution has the desired coursework

Culture--campus arrest rates, social networking, gang activity, drugs and alcohol. How is discipline handled?

Graduation & Retention Rates--What percentage does the institution graduate?

AA Student Population?
Student Athlete vs General population?

What percentage of the freshman class remains enrolled through their senior year?

Academic Prestige--where does the institution rank regarding academics in comparison with other institutions?

Who does the coach and athletic director report to--is the athletic system self contained or is it governed by the academic sector?

Student population--what are the demographics of the student population?

Fan Base--does the institution have a strong fan base? Does it sell out its events?

Program Tradition--is there a winning tradition or heritage to the program?

Athletic Facilities--are the facilities modern, clean and sufficient? Are they currently under renovation, or are they projected to be renovated (if so, when)?

Food Facilities and Dorm rooms--is the food and living facilities of sufficient quality?

Athletic Clustering


Student Athlete Support--what is the GPA of the team? Is there a study table and how is it employed? Is mentorship available? How does the institution or the team monitor progress of the freshmen and sophomores? What role does an advisor play? What is the course plan for early graduation?

Coaching system--What type of offense and defense is used? Will it be a system in which the athlete can excel?

Coaching Staff Stability--what is the turnover rate over a five to seven year period?
Position Coach--Is the position coach knowledgeable in teaching the details of the position? How does the coach see the athlete (me) and what is his strategy to develop him (me)?

Head Coach (questions every parent needs to know)--Is the Head Coach in the people development business? Has the head coach interviewed for another job? Has he received an extension, if so, when? Has he had any recruiting violations? How does he discipline?

Early Graduation--How does the coach feel about early graduation? What, if any, is the early graduation track? Is there a specific plan for early graduation, can we see it?

Strength of Schedule--does the team play quality, high level competition?

Roster demographics--race, recruitment area, number of in-state athletes on roster?

Open positions--how many are currently playing the athlete’s position? What is the depth at the position (talent)? What are policies regarding red shirting, etc.

Pop Warner Little Scholars

Love Thy Neighbor Community Development Corporation in conjunction with the Department of Recreation is pleased to bring Pop Warner Football to the City of Trenton. Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. (PWLS) is a non-profit organization that provides youth football and cheer & dance programs for participants in 41 states and several countries around the world. Consisting of approximately 360,000 young people ranging from ages 5 to 16 years old, PWLS is the largest youth football, cheer and dance program in the United States. As the only national youth sports organization that requires scholastic aptitude to participate, Pop Warner is committed to developing America's young people on the field and off.

Each year Pop Warner continues to expand its efforts in team and activity participation, as well as visibility and outreach in the community.