Academics

Academics are the cornerstone of our youth football and cheerleading program, both on the field and off. Character, safety, and lessons on how to apply the discipline and challenge of football/cheerleading to the classroom and beyond are incorporated in every aspect of the program. UCS coaches are more than just instructors on the field. The coaches serve as mentors and role models to help children excel in all areas of their lives. They are paradigms of good sportsmanship, strong academic pursuit, and strong character and integrity. Children who may not otherwise have guidance, are provided structure and a safe haven to grow.

96% and higher…

Nationwide, the average number of players on a given youth football team that have a GPA of 96% or higher is approximately 3%. The framework for academic success that we follow has produce an average of 25-33% of players per team with a GPA of 96% of higher.

Programs

Coaches are in a unique position to offer incentives for kids to perform well in the classroom and in life. Once the school year begins, the coaches send teacher’s letters home with the player. The letter provides the coaches’ contact information and details the awards available through the Upper Cape Spartans academic awards program. Teachers are encouraged to give players the opportunity for extra credit and contact the coach if the student is struggling in any areas. Additionally, academic accountability forms are sent home with the kids on Tuesday, the player’s teacher checks and scores the child’s effort and behavior for the week as do the parents. The players that fail to bring an academic accountability paper in for whatever reason are given a zero for the week and they receive remedial conditioning after practice. The UCS has a strict “NO GRADES – NO PLAY” policy. Academics come first.

 

AYF Awards


Academic Achievement Alliance

The Academic Alliance acknowledges scholar athletes who have proven themselves to be a paradigm of the FOUR PILLARS of achievement including academics, respect, discipline and performance. To be considered for academic all-american honrs, all scholar athletes must have a 96 percent or higher grade point average. In addition, while making a mark in their local communities (charity work, community clean-up projects etc.), all AAA winners must exhibit AYF’s four pillars of achievement and explify excellence in academics and sportsmanship.

  • The Carl Allegretti American Youth Football Scholarship Award: This annual scholarship reinforces the values of the world’s largest youth football organization and will be awarded to the top AYF Academic Athlete.
  • Wilson Scholarship Awards
  • AYF Regional (NEW ENGLAND) Scholarship Awards
  • Eastbay Awards

Upper Cape Spartans Awards

The UCS takes additional steps to ensure that players are recognized for their academic achievements through our “Character, Academics and Leadership” (CAL) program. Players that have received “straight A’s” during the scholastic quarter in which they played football for the Spartans will be inducted into the Spartans Academic Hall of Fame.

Spartan Shield of Excellence

Players that have received “straight A’s” during the scholastic quarter in which they played football for the Spartans will be inducted into the Spartans Academic Hall of Fame.

  • Player will be awarded a framed certificate at their school, stating their achievement
  • Engraved shield plaque to be awarded at the annual banquet
  • Scholar Baller® awards and incentives:

The Helm of Sparta

Players who have received “A’s and B’s” during the scholastic quarter in which they played football for the Spartans will qualify and be awarded:

  • Player will be awarded a framed certificate at their school, stating their achievement
  • Scholar Baller® awards and incentives:

academics

Scholar Baller® is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization that has developed culturally relevant educational and incentive-based programs at the middle school, high school and college level to help bridge the gap between education, sport and popular culture. The mission of Scholar Baller® is to inspire youth and young adults to develop leadership skills and to excel in education and life by using their cultural interests in sport and entertainment. The vision of Scholar Baller is to systematically recognize and reward all student-athletes who excel academically in order to further their academic and personal development. Players may be rewarded with plaques, helmet stickers, hats, t-shirts, patches or other official Scholar Baller® Academic Performance Apparel for their outstanding displays of academia.

Players who have received “A’s and B’s” during the scholastic quarter in which they played football for the Spartans will qualify for an Academic Honors certificate to be presented during the banquet at the conclusion of the season.

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