Rochester’s first-ever youth football travel team:
RMG Elites tackles social, emotional, physical well-being of youth athlete’s post-pandemic and beyond
Rochester, NY––Some people say there are risks about lifting the restrictions of youth sports post-pandemic. Others say that the benefits outweigh the risks. Coach Diddi, who contracted and successfully recovered from the virus last year, agrees with the latter. This is one reason why he’s eager to introduce Rochester’s first-ever football travel team, RMG Elites, a subsidiary of RMG Entertainment.
Coach Diddi is Founder and CEO and says he’s committed to helping parents and teachers enhance youth social, emotional skills and physical well-being post pandemic. This is a message he will push during RMG Elite tryouts on Sunday, March 21 from 3 – 5 p.m. at Rochester Regional Health Total Sports Experience, 880 Elmgrove Road.
RMG Elite aims to recruit roughly 20 athletes to fill the 2021 team roster. Youth athletes ages 9 through 12 must demonstrate the ability to play at an elite level. Athletes will be evaluated based on speed, strength, athleticism, toughness and character. While the criteria are critical, RMG Elite coaches understands the pandemics impact on youth. Like the implications found in International Journal of Sport Communication—suggesting COVID-19 generating uncertainty in the future of youth sports and created psychological, developmental, fallouts from the stop age of sports.
“It’s so important that we teach our athletes to consider life’s hardships. We want them to harness their strengths and always remember to use it to withstand unfortunate change. Throughout the years of coaching I’ve learned to recognize how youth and families often face uncertainties about issues at home, or in the community, or about their future…but they keep pushing,” he continued. “With proper guidance from health officials, we believe getting back to playing ball will help ease some of that doubt felt by athletes and their families.”
Coach Diddi is referring to the February 1, 2021 update to The New York State Department of Health Interim Guidance for Sports and Recreation—which states: “Participants in higher risk sports and recreation activities may partake in individual or distanced group training, organized group training, and further, may partake in other types of play, including competitions and tournaments.”
“We are prepared to provide a safe experience for youth athletes who have missed developmental opportunities for one entire year. We’re excited about helping parents and teachers address the well-being of youth athletes in our region,” Coach Diddi affirmed.
MORE ABOUT RMG ELITES FOOTBALL TRYOUTS: Participants are encouraged to pre-register by calling 585-730-1980. The registration fee is $10 per child. Masks must be worn at all times and only one adult per athlete is allowed in the building. Temperatures will be checked at the entrance. Attendees must provide their contact information to follow COVID tracing guidelines. Early arrival is encouraged.
UP NEXT: The RMG Elites are scheduled to compete in the Diamond Summer Shine Classics in Charlotte, North Carolina from June 24 through the 28. They’ll travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the Steel City Brawl taking place from July 30 until August 2.
ABOUT RMG ELITES: The RMG Elites mission is to help youth athletes build character through football by providing social and emotional support, academic tutoring, health and wellness activities, and robust character-building tasks. RMG Elites is committed to helping youth athletes overcome life’s obstacles, safely explore parts of the country, and develop the necessary skills to advance to the next level in life, or in football. To learn more about RMG Elites visit www.rmgelites.com.