ISYS participated in a leadership training clinic for 250 Michigan football players and coaches. MSU Quarterback Kirk Cousins got the clinic started, telling players that being a leader consisted of peer modeling, building relationships with teammates, and investing in your teammates. Dr. Larry Lauer led a special session for coaches, where coaches were able to network and discuss in small groups how to teach their players to become leaders on and off the football field (Training Youth Athletes to Lead – PDF) Ten MSU Kinesiology Graduate Students led breakout sessions for groups of 20-40 football players from all regions of the State. Players commonly asked tough questions, such as “how do I motivate my teammates to attend off-season weight training?” Players were able to network with players from other teams and talk about some of the potential strategies they could use to lead their teams.
The leadership clinics promote the idea that leaders are made, not born. They are conducted on-site at high schools throughout the state of Michigan. If you are interested in participating, please contact Dr. Lauer.