Day 1: Building Community

The weekend began with a warm welcome at the Courtyard Lyndhurst Meadowlands Hotel, where participants gathered to meet the STS team, fellow veteran coaches, and support staff. The evening fostered connections among participants, each bringing unique experiences from military service and budding coaching careers. Introductions were followed by technical setups for tools like the Jets app and Go Army Edge, setting the tone for the weekend’s focus on professional and personal development.

Day 2: Insightful Sessions and Field Action

Saturday unfolded with a mix of inspiration and hands-on activities. Following a welcome address at MetLife Stadium, Tony Richardson, a Jets legend, engaged the group in a Q&A session moderated by STS Founder Harrison Bernstein that spotlighted leadership and teamwork principles. A tour of the Jets’ locker room surprised the Soldier Coaches when they realized each locker was decorated with their own name plate and filled with Jets Salute To Service gear for their keeping. The heart of the day was the Coaches Workshop. Soldier Coaches and STS staff shared their insights on leadership, strategy, and the technical aspects of football coaching. Attendees honed their skills with practical applications, drill design, and discussing scenarios during a working lunch. The collaborative energy was palpable as coaches shared stories, ideas, and aspirations.

Later, the free Youth Football Clinic on the iconic MetLife Stadium field brought these lessons to life. Soldier Coaches guided young athletes through drills, emphasizing skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. For the youth, this was more than just a clinic—it was an opportunity to learn from role models who had served their country and now served their community through sport.

Day 3: Saluting Service Through the Game

Sunday began with a reflective morning session, where participants practiced using tools like Go Army Edge to refine their play drawing ability. The STS Tailgate at MetLife Stadium was a festive gathering, bringing together the extended STS family with food, camaraderie, and gratitude. The highlight was watching the Jets game as a group, a shared experience that capped a weekend of bonding and inspiration.

A Lasting Impact

Throughout the event, participants expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. Testimonials poured in, reflecting the weekend’s transformative power. From Jason Lewey’s gratitude for the excellent coaching community to James Hurley’s moving words about the event transcending football, it was clear this workshop left a lasting impression.

The Soldiers To Sidelines Football Coaching Workshop and Youth Football Clinic epitomized the mission to empower veterans through coaching, turning their leadership into a force for community development. Thanks to the New York Jets, Ticketmaster, and STS staff, this Salute to Service weekend was a resounding success, embodying the spirit of teamwork, resilience, and service. Until next time, these soldier-coaches will carry the lessons learned onto fields and into lives across the nation.

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