SPIRIT ELITE 7v7 FAQ's

What Development Means at Spirit Football

At Spirit Football, development in our 7v7 program isn’t just a word—it’s a commitment. It’s the responsibility of all of our coaches to teach, mentor, and prepare athletes for the next level of football by focusing on real skills, real understanding, and the right mindset for competition.

Fundamentals First: Skill Development

7v7 is an incredible tool for sharpening the individual skills that are necessary for success in tackle football. Our coaching philosophy is built on teaching the core techniques that will translate to all levels of football, not just winning 7v7 tournaments.

• Offensive Development – Route running, footwork, release techniques, reading defenses, timing with quarterbacks, and ball security.
• Defensive Development – Coverage techniques (man and zone), backpedaling, breaking on the ball, reading the quarterback, and understanding offensive schemes.

These are the tools players need to succeed—not just in 7v7 but in youth tackle football, high school, and beyond.

Understanding the Game: Team Concept Development

Football is more than individual talent. We also focus on advanced team concepts, helping athletes understand not only their role but the roles of their teammates. A truly developed player knows:

• How their route or assignment fits within the full offensive or defensive play.
• How to communicate and adjust based on pre-snap reads.
• How to make smart, fast decisions in game situations.

By developing a football IQ, players become better teammates and better competitors.

Attitude and Effort: Character Development

Development isn’t just about skills—it’s about building the right mindset. At Spirit Football, we teach players that:

Effort is non-negotiable – Talent means nothing without maximum effort. Players must learn to compete at full speed on every rep, every play, every game.

Attitude defines success – Football, like life, is about overcoming challenges. We teach players how to handle adversity, keep a level head, and push themselves to be better each day.

Competition makes you better – We embrace competition. True development comes from competing the right way—by giving everything you have, learning from your mistakes, and always striving to improve.

Development over Hype

At Spirit Football, our focus is on coaching, not content. We aren’t here to just to tell you we develop players; we are here to actually develop them—through quality coaching, real instruction, and an environment where learning the game is the priority.

This isn’t just one person’s philosophy—this is the mission of all 16 Spirit Elite 7v7 coaches. We stand united in our belief that true development happens on the field, in the huddle, and through the lessons football teaches.

If you want a program focused on REAL development, you’ll find it at Spirit Football. The purpose of this content is to inform our current and future players what they can expect in Spirit Football’s 7v7 program. Spirit Football’s goal is to contribute positively to the growth of 7v7 football, not engage in posts and campaigns designed to elevate ourselves over other 7v7 programs, Directors, or Coaches. That isn’t the Spirit of youth sports!

What are the benefits of 7v7 football?

• Players can enhance their passing, catching, and defensive abilities.
• Athletes can experience various positions and improve their overall football knowledge.
• 7v7 is a non-contact sport, allowing it to be played year-round on smaller fields.
• Many athletes use the 7v7 season to stay sharp and ready for tackle football.
• Participating in 7v7 helps improve speed, agility, and overall athletic performance.
• The format of 7v7 highlights offensive skills, especially for quarterbacks and receivers.
• Football teaches players how to overcome challenges and develop resilience.

What is Spirit Elite 7v7?

• Spirit Elite 7v7, operated by Spirit Football, is a leading youth football organization in the Omaha Metro area and is a non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1977.
• Our program allows athletes to compete in 7v7 football while refining and expanding their skill sets.
• We emphasize building strong teams, fostering skill development, and instilling essential values that help shape our athletes into outstanding individuals on and off the field.
• Our training prepares participants to excel in football and provides a foundation for success in all aspects of life.

What is the Coaching Experience at Spirit Elite 7v7?

• Spirit Elite 7v7 is led by experienced championship-level coaches including coaches that have competed as Division 1 college athletes, bringing top-level expertise and a winning mindset to our teams.

What are the Age Groups?

• We offer teams in the following age groups: 10 & Under, 12 & Under, and 14 & Under. Age eligibility is based on the player's age as of January 1, 2025.

How do players join Spirit Elite 7v7 teams?

• Players are selected through an open tryout process. The tryout will take place on December 7, 2024 at 9:00 AM at the Papillion Landing Field House.

Is there a fee for the tryouts?

• Yes, there is a $25 fee for tryouts, which covers the cost of the indoor facility and includes a tryout jersey for each participant.

How long does the season last?

• The season starts with the first practice on January 5, 2025, and concludes after the final tournament in late May or Early June. Games begin in February.

When, where, and how frequently do we practice?

• Indoor Practices: Begin on January 5, 2025, and take place on Sunday afternoons and Friday evenings (depending on the age group) at Papillion Landing. Each practice will last 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Outdoor Practices: Starting in early to mid-March, practices will move to Spirit Field in Papillion, NE, and will be held on Sunday afternoons. When the weather permits, practices will move to weeknights and will take place 2x per week.

What can I expect from Spirit Elite 7v7 practices?

• Practices focus on skill development, with structured drills, techniques, and fundamentals. Every session is designed to challenge and engage players, helping them develop both as athletes and individuals.

What if my player is involved in other sports during the season?

• We fully support and encourage multi-sport athletes, however athletes are expected to attend the majority of scheduled practices and tournaments.

Where and who does Spirit Elite 7v7 compete against?

• Spirit Elite 7v7 teams compete in a series of tournaments against top clubs across the Midwest. During the 2025 season, teams will participate in 7-8 tournaments, most of which are either local or involve short trips, with minimal need for overnight stays.

What are the fees for participating in Spirit Elite 7v7?

• The tryout fee is $25, which includes a tryout t-shirt.
• The total cost for the season is $600 per player. This includes uniforms, access to indoor and outdoor practice facilities, equipment, and tournament entry fees. Payment plans are available to accommodate families.

What equipment is provided by Spirit Elite 7v7, and what do athletes need to bring?

• Provided by Spirit Elite 7v7: Two uniform packages, hoodie, and backpack.
• Athletes must provide: Cleats, mouthpiece, and Soft Head Gear. Soft head gear can be purchased from Spirit Elite 7v7 for an additional $25 or athletes may use their own gear from previous seasons.