Why Flag Football?
Football is a sport loved by millions around the world, known for its thrilling gameplay, teamwork, and strategic maneuvers. However, concerns about player safety have prompted the development of alternative versions of the game. Flag football, in particular, has gained significant popularity as a safer alternative to traditional football. Legacy has been providing popular flag football programs over the past 10 years throughout the year. (Checkout what we have coming up here)
Let’s see why flag football offers a safer experience while still retaining the essence and excitement of the sport.
Reduced Risk of Serious Injuries: One of the primary advantages of flag football is the elimination of physical contact associated with tackling. Traditional football involves high-impact collisions that can lead to concussions, sprains, fractures, and even more severe injuries. In flag football, players wear flags attached to their waistbands, which opponents must remove instead of engaging in full-contact tackles. By eliminating the risk of forceful impacts, flag football significantly reduces the chance of severe injuries.
Improved Player Safety Measures: Flag football leagues and organizations prioritize player safety by implementing specific rules and regulations. These rules prohibit unnecessary roughness, blocking, and other potentially dangerous actions seen in traditional football. Moreover, in flag football, players are encouraged to focus on skillful movements, agility, and strategy rather than brute force. This emphasis on finesse and technique minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries on the field.
Suitable for All Ages and Skill Levels: Flag football is incredibly inclusive and accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. Since it eliminates the fear of aggressive physical contact, parents are more likely to allow their children to participate in flag football programs. Even adults who may have concerns about injury or who want to relish the joy of playing football can enjoy the sport without worrying about unnecessary risks.
Enhancing Fundamental Skills: Flag football serves as an excellent platform for learning and developing fundamental football skills. With a focus on speed, agility, and precise passing, players have the opportunity to hone their technique, strategic thinking, and teamwork abilities. Flag football encourages quick thinking, efficient decision-making, and precise execution—essential skills that can be transferred to traditional football or other sports.
Competitive and Fun: While flag football places an emphasis on safety, it does not compromise on the excitement and competitiveness of the game. Players still experience the thrill of scoring touchdowns, making interceptions, and executing strategic plays. The fast-paced nature of flag football keeps participants engaged, providing an enjoyable experience for both players and spectators.
Conclusion: Flag football offers a safer alternative to traditional football without sacrificing the essence of the sport. By removing full-contact tackles and implementing specific safety measures, players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy the game while minimizing the risk of severe injuries. Whether you're a parent concerned about your child's safety or an adult seeking a more inclusive football experience, Legacy flag football is an excellent choice that allows you to stay active, develop skills, and have fun on the field. We hope to see you on the field soon!
Riverside Summer Camps Start Next Week!
The Village of Riverside Parks & Rec and Legacy Sports are partnering to offer summer sports camps at Harrington Park in Riverside. Check out all the options we have coming up!
Legacy Flag Football Summer Camp
Ages 7-10
Monday, July 10 - Friday, July 14
9:30AM-11:30AM
Legacy Soccer Summer Camp
Ages 6-8 & 9-12
Monday, July 17 - Friday, July 21
9:30AM-11:30AM
Wednesday Night Soccer
June 21, 28, July 5, 12, 19
5:30-6:30, Ages 6-8
6:30-7:30, Ages 9-12
Thursday Night Flag Football
June 22, 29, July 6, 13, 20
5:30-6:30, Ages 6-8
6:30-7:30, Ages 9-12
Ultimate Frisbee
June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18 (off July 4)
5:30-6:30, Ages 10-13
6:30-7:30, Ages 14-17
Save your spot today! Enroll online Here
Summer Baseball Training Camps
Our popular baseball summer camps return for 3-weeks of non-stop baseball action!
Camps will drill hitting, fielding, throwing, baserunning, & decision making. Camps also feature our popular Legacy Hitting League stat contests where players compete for prizes for leading the league in hits, doubles, triples, home runs, RBIs, & batting average.
Grade level reflects FALL 2023
Enrollment includes camp T-Shirt and flash drive with slow motion videos of themselves hitting & throwing. Camps are held at the Windmills Training Facility, 1401 Circle Ave., Forest Park, IL 60130
Week 1: June 26-30
Week 2: July 17-21
Week 3: August 7-11
9:00AM – 11:00AM, Grades 3-5
11:00AM - 1:00PM, Grades 1-3
Bring your bat and glove and join us next month!
Some our champs from last summer’s hitting league!
Ascension Summer Camp Returns!
We are excited to return to Ascension our 10th summer camp! we have so many memories at Ascension and are excited to keep the good times rolling! Check out some of the photos from Ascension summer camps dating back to 2009!
This June we will be offering 3 weeks of camps for students entering grades 1-6. We will also be offering an evening Classic Kickball League for incoming 7th and 8th graders. For more details on the summer camp, CLICK HERE.
Interested in the Classic Kickball League for your incoming 7th/8th grader? Learn More HERE.
Tips For Buying a New Baseball Bat
Are you buying a baseball bat for your little slugger? Or maybe you already bought a bat and are having second thoughts? Here are some tips to determine if you purchased the right one.
Are you buying a baseball bat for your little slugger? Or maybe you already bought a bat and are having second thoughts? Here are some tips to determine if you purchased the right one. Before going to the store, weigh your athlete and bring them along.
Bat Material - Aluminum is the material that is used in youth bats, they have a long way to go before you purchase them a wood one.
Bat Length - When standing next to the bat in cleats, the bat should be hip high and no higher. Here is a size chart courtesy of Anthem Sports.
Bat Weight - You can use the chart referenced above but not all kids have the same strength. Here is quick test: Have your child extend their dominant arm straight to the side parallel to the ground. Have them hold the bat with the barrel pointing to the sky. If they cannot hold the bat steady without struggling for 10 seconds, it may be too heavy.
Cost - Bats range from $25 to hundreds of dollars. At the younger ages, don't break the bank on a bat that they will grow out of in a year or two. A lot of second hand stores have bats for cheap that can turn up a real gem.
When to Use- Use the bat at one of our baseball training sessions this winter! Click here to see what we have for members of Oak Park and River Forest Youth Baseball Leagues.
Legacy Winter Baseball Programs
While everyone is focusing on what to put on their plate this Thursday, don’t forget to keep your plate full with Legacy Sports Camps!
While everyone is focusing on what to put on their plate this Thursday, don’t forget to keep your plate full with Legacy Sports Camp! (Home plate if you’d like to get specific).
Baseball is already underway but it isn’t too late to join our Gold Glove Fielding camp and our Hitting/Pitching camp that begin in January.
Our Winter Baseball registration is filling up. We have the following baseball skill camps held at Longfellow School (715 S. Highland Ave. in Oak Park). Join today!
Gold Glove Fielding Camp
6 Mondays: January 7, 14, 28, February 4, 11, 25
5:00-6:00: Ages 7-9
6:15-7:15: Ages 10-12
Legacy Hitting/Pitching Camp
7 Wednesdays: January 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6, 13, 20, 27
5:00-6:00: Ages 7-9
6:15-7:15: Ages 10-12
Legacy Camp Staff Spotlight: Dan Kane
This Week we spotlight the Director of Camp Operations and Co-Founder, Dan Kane.
Dan Kane attended Ascension school and Oak Park River Forest High School. Dan coached boys and girls basketball and soccer from 2002-2009 at St. Giles School in Oak Park, under the direction of Jim Collins. He helped supervise St. Giles’ intramural and interscholastic programs that run year round. In 2007, Dan graduated from Marquette University with a BA in Broadcasting. In 2016, he married Audrey Kane, and they currently reside in Berwyn, IL.
Name: Dan Kane
Position: Owner, co-founder, lead camp counselor
Age: 33
Favorite Sport to Play: Basketball
Favorite Sport to Watch: Football
What year did you start with Legacy? 2008
Favorite Legacy Program: “kickball league, flag football & multi-sport madness.”
Favorite Legacy Memory: “I always love the first day of a summer camp. The kids and staff are so excited and filled with anticipation of what games they'll play. I always like testing out new games for the first time at camps. The kids really like giving their input on the game, what we should name it and how it can be made even better. You also cannot beat the atmosphere around Legacy flag football playoff game.”
When I'm not at Legacy, I am most likely.. "Spending quality time with my wife, Audrey, and dog, Ruthie. I also spend time working as the Ascension School Athletic Director, Go Chargers! ”
OTHER LEGACY STAFF PROFILES:
---> Coach Michael Swift
---> Coach Joe Herner
---> Coach Mike Hardison
---> Coach Dan Lindell
---> Coach Javy Brooks
---> Coach Karl Von Roenn
Chicago Area Youth Sports Program that serves youths in the Illinois area including Oak Park, Berwyn, River Forest, Forest Park, Lagrange, Brookfield and Lyons.
---> Youth Basketball Fall Camp
---> Youth Summer Camps 2018
Camp Questions? Email: info@legacysportscamp.com, or call/text (312) 969-0215
Lil Legacy Sports Camp for Kids Age 3-6
Legacy RFCC Programs - Lil Legacy
Legacy Sports Camp is proud to partner with the River Forest Community Center (8200 Madison St. River Forest) to bring you quality youth programming including the Lil Legacy for kids age 3-6.
The first session of the program is starting September 10 and runs until October 22, 2018. The 2nd session runs from Nov. 5 - Dec. 10, 2018. The fee is $90. click here to enroll.
Lil Legacy (ages 3.5-6)
Exciting and fun games that keeps the kids moving and introduces them to the world of sports! Students will learn and play in different games each week that will help improve their motor-skills, hand-eye coordination, teamwork and love of exercise.
Days/Time:
Mondays, 11:35 AM- 12:20 PM
Session I: Sept 10-Oct 22 (skip 10/8)
Session II: Nov 5-Dec 10
Fee ---> $90
Registration for our partnered programs are held via the RFCC website, click here to enroll.
Youth Sports Camp Questions? Email: info@legacysportscamp.com, or call/text (312) 969-0215
Kids Youth Hoops Program that serves youths in the Illinois area including Chicago, Oak Park, Berwyn, River Forest, Forest Park, Lagrange, Brookfield and Lyons.
RFCC Sports Programs Starting Soon
Legacy River Forest Community Center Programs
Legacy Sports Camp is proud to partner with the River Forest Community Center (8200 Madison St. River Forest) to bring you quality youth programming including youth flag football and Lil Legacy for young kids age 3-6.
Registration for our partnered programs are held via the RFCC website, click here to enroll.
Youth Flag Football
Ready for some exciting football action? Catch, throw, and run for the end zone with Legacy's Flag Football program! New teams will be drawn each week to play in a 5 on 5 scrimmage. Players will learn the fundamentals and perfect their skill ahead of the Winter Flag Football League beginning in January. Min 10/Max 18
Mondays Nov 12-Dec 17
4:00-5:00, Grades 2nd-4th
5:00-6:00, Grades 3rd-5th
Fee ---> $95
Lil Legacy (ages 3.5-6)
Exciting and fun games that keeps the kids moving and introduces them to the world of sports! Students will learn and play in different games each week that will help improve their motor-skills, hand-eye coordination, teamwork and love of exercise.
Days/Time: Mondays, 11:35AM-12:20
Session I: Sept 10-Oct 22 (skip 10/8)
Session II: Nov 5-Dec 10
Fee ---> $90
Registration for our partnered programs are held via the RFCC website, click here to enroll.
2018 Fall Legacy Youth Basketball Camps
Legacy Sports Youth Basketball Camps
Legacy Sports Camp presents fall basketball camps for children in grades 4-6 and grades 7-8. These are coed camps and all youth basketball camps take place at St. Luke School Gym (519 Ashland in River Forest, Il).
---> Register now for Fall Travel Basketball Program
Skill & Shooting Camp (Grades 4-6, co-ed)
· Tuesdays/Thursdays, 5:00-6:15PM
· September Session: Sept 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
· October Session: Oct 2, 4, 9,11,16, 23.
· Single Session Fee: $90.00
· Double Session Fee: $150.00 (save $30!)
· This program will be filled with various drills, contests and games to develop a more fundamentally sound basketball player. This program will emphasize shooting, ball-handling, passing, defense, and decision-making.
Full Court Press Camp (Grades 7-8, co-ed)
· Tuesdays/Thursdays, 7:45-9:00PM
· September Session: Sept 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
· October Session: Oct 2, 4, 9,11,16, 23.
· Single Session Fee: $90.00
· Double Session Fee: $150.00 (save $30!)
This program’s goal is to improve on each player’s current skill set through drills, game play situations and scrimmages. Drill focus will have a heavy emphasis on defense, rebounding, and fast breaking. This program is great for preparing and conditioning ahead of your school’s upcoming basketball season.
---> Register now for Fall Travel Basketball Program
Basketball Camp Questions? Email: info@legacysportscamp.com, or call/text (312) 969-0215
Kids Youth Hoops Program that serves youths in the Illinois area including Chicago, Oak Park, Berwyn, River Forest, Forest Park, Lagrange, Brookfield and Lyons.
Youth Basketball Program Starts August 23rd
REGISTER FOR FALL TRAVEL 2018 BASKETBALL
Register now and put a down payment on the Legacy Basketball Fall Travel program for boys and girls in grades 4-9.
Season starts on August 23rd with 2 practices per week at St Lukes in the Oak Park area.
---> $595 fee includes Jersey and Shorts.
--> August 23 – October 28
--> 18-22 Games
--> 2 Practices per week in River Forest Oak Park
--> $595 includes Jersey / Shorts
---> Register Now and Reserve Your Spot
Basketball Camp Questions? Email: info@legacysportscamp.com, or call/text (312) 969-0215
Kids Youth Hoops Program that serves youths in the Illinois area including Chicago, Oak Park, Berwyn, River Forest, Forest Park, Lagrange, Brookfield and Lyons.
---> Register for Girls Fall Travel Basketball Program
---> Youth Coding and Sports Camps
Celebrate Your Birthday with a Legacy Sports Party
Celebrate your special day with Legacy Sports Camp! Birthdays are primarily held at the River Forest Community Center (RFCC) at 8200 Madison Street in River Forest, IL. Ages 5+ for up to 20 participants.
Legacy staff will supervise and lead the group in games. Food is not provided but food/dessert can be served in dining area.
Activities: Basketball, soccer, dodgeball, floor hockey, or any of our many multi-sports madness games. Not sure? Just ask!
2-Hour Party Fee: $240
We require all parties to put down a $50 deposit to reserve a party date/time. Balance payments must be made within 24 hours of party time.
---> Setup your Legacy Sports Camp Party Today
Youth Sports Program that serves youths in the Illinois area including Oak Park, Berwyn, River Forest, Forest Park, Lagrange, Brookfield and Lyons.
---> Youth Fall Basketball Program
---> Youth Coding and Sports Camps
Party Questions? Email: info@legacysportscamp.com, or call/text (312) 969-0215
Boys Fall Travel Basketball Program, Grades 4-9
Register now for the Legacy Sports Camp Basketball Fall Travel program for boys in grades 4-9.
Season starts on August 23rd with 2 practices per week at St Lukes in the Oak Park area.
---> $595 fee includes Jersey and Shorts.
--> August 23 – October 28
--> 18-22 Games
--> 2 Practices per week in River Forest Oak Park
--> $595 includes Jersey / Shorts
---> Register Now and Reserve Your Spot
Basketball Camp Questions? Email: info@legacysportscamp.com, or call/text (312) 969-0215
Kids Sports Program that serves youths in the Illinois area including Oak Park, Berwyn, River Forest, Forest Park, Lagrange, Brookfield and Lyons.
---> Register for Girls Fall Travel Basketball Program
---> Youth Coding and Sports Camps
Coding Sports Camp Spotlight: August 6-10 App Creation & Sports Camp
Current Grades 3rd – 7th: August 6-10th: APP Creation & Sports Camp
Now is the time for children to learn the fundamentals of App coding & App design so they can become makers of technology instead of just users of technology!
This app coding & sports camp is designed for students who are currently in 3rd through 7th grade and is ideal for new and returning campers.
Campers will spend half of the day learning how to design and code their own Apps. Through the use of MIT’s App Inventor programming tool, students will learn the fundamentals of App coding and App design so they can become makers of technology instead of just users of technology. They'll be able to test their Apps on Android devices, supplied by CPL, to see and play their App in a live environment.
Space is limited --> Sign up here
Campers will spend the other half of their day engaged in a variety of athletic activities, featuring dozens of Multi-Sport Madness games like Treasure Island, Hand Hockey, Illinois Jones, Countdown Dodgeball, Battleship, Capture the Flag and soccer. These activities ensure that campers learn how to communicate with each other and work as a team to accomplish their goals.
Our camps will run each day from 8:30am-4:00pm. We ask that each camper bring their own lunch. Please remember to exclude any foods that contain any nuts.
Legacy Sports activities will take place at The Tennis and Fitness Centre located at 301 West Lake Street. Code Play Learn's activities will take place across the street at 132 N. Ridgeland Avenue. The campers will be walked between locations by staff from Legacy Sports. Space is limited to the first 15 campers.
Space is limited --> Sign up here…
Looking for more information on this great week of Sports Coding Youth Camp or all others? You can find it here
Take a look at some of the spotlighted upcoming coding and sports camps below.
----> Coding Sports Camp Spotlight: August 13th - 17th
(Chess and Sports Camp)
----> Coding Sports Camp Spotlight: August 6th-10th (ROBLOX and App Creation) --- ROBLOX Camp is sold out ***
---> View Coding Sports Camp YouTube Video
Click Here For More Information on Coding Sports Camps
Camp Questions? Email Dan: info@legacysportscamp.com, or call/text (312) 969-0215
Girls Fall Travel Basketball Program, Grades 4-9
Register now for the Legacy Sports Camp Basketball Fall Travel program for girls in grades 4-9.
Season starts on August 23rd with 2 practices per week at St Lukes in the Oak Park area.
---> $595 fee includes Jersey and Shorts.
--> August 23 – October 28
--> 18-22 Games
--> 2 Practices per week in River Forest Oak Park
--> $595 includes Jersey / Shorts
---> Register Now and Reserve Your Spot
Legacy Travel Fall Basketball Program for Girls and Boys in grades 4-9
Basketball Camp Questions? Email: info@legacysportscamp.com, or call/text (312) 969-0215
Children Sports Program that serves youths in the Illinois area including Oak Park, Berwyn, River Forest, Forest Park, Lagrange, Brookfield and Lyons.
---> Register for Boys Fall Travel Basketball Program
---> Youth Summer Camps 2018
---> Youth Coding and Sports Camps
Coding Sports Camp Spotlight: 7/23/18 Stem Sampler & Sports Camp
Current Grades K-3 - July 23-27 Stem & Sports
Legacy Sports and Code Play Learn are partnering to create a week long, full day camp that will engage your child’s body and mind. This camp is specifically designed for students who are currently in Kindergarten, through 3rd grade.
Campers will spend one half of the day at our STEM Sampler Camp. Each camper will build their understanding of STEM as they code, construct and play.
During the week campers will:
Use our 3D CNC machine to design and cut their own 3D carvings they can bring home
Learn to code and see their code in action with Sphero Sprk+ and our Anki Cozmo bots
Put their engineering caps on as they build their own LEGO Motorized machines
Explore circuits and electronics while they build their own contraptions; and bring their creations home!
Campers will spend the other half of the day engaged in a variety of athletic activities. We offer dozens of multi-sports madness games like Treasure Island, Hand Hockey, Illinois Jones, Countdown Dodgeball, Battleship, Capture the Flag and soccer. These activities ensure that campers learn how to communicate with each other and work as a team to accomplish their goals.
Our camps will run each day from 8:30am-4:00pm. We ask that each camper bring their own lunch. Please remember to exclude any foods that contain any nuts.
Legacy Sports activities will take place at The Tennis and Fitness Centre located at 301 West Lake Street. Code Play Learn's activities will take place across the street at 132 N. Ridgeland Avenue. Campers will be walked between locations by staff from Legacy Sports. Space is limited to the first 15 campers.
Space is limited --> Sign up here…
Take a look at some of the spotlighted upcoming coding and sports camps below.
----> Coding Sports Camp Spotlight: July 23-27th
(MAKERS and Sports Camp, Grades 4-8)
----> Coding Sports Camp Spotlight: August 13th - 17th
(Chess and Sports Camp)
----> Coding Sports Camp Spotlight: August 6th-10th (ROBLOX and App Creation) --- ROBLOX Camp is sold out ***
---> View Coding Sports Camp YouTube Video
Click Here For More Information on Coding Sports Camps
Coding Camp Questions? Email Dan: info@legacysportscamp.com, or call/text (312) 969-0215
About Legacy Sports Camp
Established in 2008, Legacy Sports Camp was founded by Oak Park natives, Dan Kane and Caleb Fields. Legacy provides after-school programs, holiday camps, birthdays, block parties, summer camps, instructional training and leagues.
Our goal is to educate our participants on proper technique in individual and team settings. We believe that character has an important impact on young athletes and we instill these positive character traits in all of our programs. While doing this we provide a fun, safe, challenging, and high energy atmosphere in all of our programs.
Dan Kane
Director of Camp Operations, Owner/Co-Founder
Dan Kane attended Ascension school and Oak Park River Forest High School. Dan coached boys and girls basketball and soccer from 2002-2009 at St. Giles School in Oak Park, under the direction of Jim Collins. He helped supervise St. Giles’ intramural and interscholastic programs that run year round. In 2007, Dan graduated from Marquette University with a BA in Broadcasting. In 2016, he married Audrey Kane, and they currently reside in Berwyn, IL.
Dan@legacysportscamp.com
Caleb Fields
Co-Founder
Caleb attended Ascension school, is a youth Bronco/PONY alum and was an All-State infielder for Fenwick High School. He captained the Northwestern baseball team and was an All Big-Ten selection in 2006. In 2007, Caleb was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates organization where he played two seasons. He played in 2009 for the Rockford Riverhawks of the Independent Frontier League. He has supervised youth camps for over 10 years in various sports and helped run a baseball academy on the North Shore with over 600 kids attending. Caleb was an assistant coach for the varsity baseball program and freshman and sophomore levels of the basketball program at Fenwick High School in Oak Park from 2010-2012. Currently, Caleb lives and works in the Denver, Colorado area.
LEGACY STAFF PROFILES:
Legacy Sports Camp offers a variety of Youth Sports Programs including Basketball Programs, Coding & Sports Camps, Flag Football and Youth Summer Camps. We have an excellent staff of youth coaches that have been working with kids in grades K-8 for many years.
LEGACY STAFF PROFILES:
---> Coach Will Skalitzky
---> Coach Michael Swift
---> Coach Joe Herner
---> Coach Mike Hardison
---> Coach Dan Lindell
---> Coach Javy Brooks
---> Coach Karl Von Roenn
Camp Questions? Email: info@legacysportscamp.com, or call/text (312) 969-0215