By Coach Clint Furr
In the vast realm of sports training, there are coaches who challenge the status quo, who see a need for change, and who strive to make a lasting impact. As a former Boise State Linebacker, I made mistakes in my football career, I understand what it takes to get to the next level and I want NXT LVL to be a driving force behind the transformation of young athletes and their communities.
The inception of NXT LVL Coaching began when I found myself at a crossroads in life. I yearned for a career that would provide for my family and allow me to pursue my passion for helping others and sports, specifically football. It was during a drive home after coaching a North East football game that inspiration struck. Through introspection and prayer, it became clear that I could combine my passions to create a platform that harnessed the power of sports to inspire personal growth and community engagement.
Teaming up with Aaron Rouselle of Pops Culture, we laid the groundwork for NXT LVL Coaching. Our vision encompassed group coaching, individual coaching, and camps, with the ultimate goal of expanding our reach beyond county lines. We wanted to impact the lives of youth athletes, coaches, parents, and athletic programs within the community.
On November 14th, 2022, NXT LVL Coaching took flight, launching our group football classes. Since that pivotal day, over 75 athletes from our community have benefited from our comprehensive training programs. At the core of NXT LVL Coaching lies a deep commitment to giving back. By offering scholarships, we ensure that athletes from all backgrounds have the opportunity to partake in our off-season coaching, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and equal access to athletic development.
While we have encountered challenges in securing sponsorships and donations, we remain resolute in our mission to provide high-quality coaching, regardless of financial circumstances. Our individual coaching program has produced remarkable success stories. For instance, a Perry Hall athlete, through his involvement with NXT LVL Coaching, not only elevated his skills but also garnered attention from college recruiters. His journey culminated in receiving seven Division I scholarship offers, including prestigious institutions such as the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech. This success is a testament to the efficacy of our programs and the commitment we hold to our core principles of discipline, attitude, respect, and teamwork.
Camps have become a cornerstone of our offerings, providing a platform for athletes to further hone their skills. With participation numbers growing steadily, our camps have welcomed distinguished NFL guest coaches, such as Baltimore Ravens All-Pro Jermaine Lewis and my former Boise State teammate, Chris Carr, who also played for the Ravens. These camps have become transformative experiences, shaping not only athletic abilities but also fostering values that extend beyond the field.
Looking towards the future, NXT LVL Coaching envisions exciting prospects. Potential partnerships with NFL figures, goals of a new state-of-the-art facility, and the evolution into a stand-alone non-profit organization are all on the horizon. These developments will enable us to amplify our impact on the community, empowering even more young athletes and aspiring coaches.
As the off-season draws to a close, we are gearing up for our final camp. From July 24th to July 29th, we invite all young athletes to join us for an unforgettable experience. Acknowledging the challenges faced in previous camps, we have adjusted our pricing to make this camp our most affordable offering yet, ensuring accessibility for all. The support and participation of the community are crucial in our continued success.
“We could truly benefit from the support of volunteer coaches and parents to enhance the overall experience for our athletes. Our primary challenge lies in securing a suitable facility to host our camps. It’s been difficult for us to generate sufficient revenue to cover the costs, especially when we are unable to allocate three or even four thousand dollars to utilize a local facility. While our camps haven’t reached profitability yet, our hope is that as we continue to expand, we can generate revenue to give back to the youth programs and make a meaningful contribution.
The journey of NXT LVL Coaching has been one of highs and lows, triumphs and challenges. Yet, through it all, our impact has been profound. Testimonials from athletes and parents speak volumes about the positive change experienced through our programs. “I can’t express enough gratitude to Aaron Rouselle, his partners, and Pop’s Culture for their unwavering support in our program and their shared ambition to make a lasting impact in the community. Together, we worked diligently to create a vision and achieve our goals, and in our own way, we have succeeded. We have gained invaluable insights from our programs and the invaluable feedback from the community. I am truly grateful for all the support.”
As NXT LVL Coaching eagerly anticipates the upcoming football season and the years that lie ahead, we remain dedicated to our mission, ready to empower, inspire, and transform the lives of countless young athletes.
“Our focus has always been on the athletes, their families, and the entire sports community. We firmly believe that we have made a significant impact and forged lasting relationships with athletes from various youth teams in the county. As we move forward, we will utilize the upcoming season as an opportunity to regroup, reflect, and bring even more value during the winter months.”
