Athletic Republic-Norwood Scores!

PJ Vande Rydt operates more than the Athletic Republic training center in Norwood, Massachusetts. He is also the Massachusetts Regional Director for Football University (FBU) and he has extended the affiliation to bring Athletic Republic's sports performance training together with FBU to enhance his marketing and youth/prep football in his state.
 
In November, Vande Rydt served as the organizer of the 7th-and 8th-grade Team Massachusetts, an all-star football team competing in the inaugural FBU National Championship, a 40-team nationwide tournament. More than 90 players tried out for the squads, allowing Vande Rydt to connect the players and coaches and offer both Athletic Republic training and FBU camp experiences.
 
He hosted pre-game meals and pep rallies at his center that fired up the athletes. The 8th-grade team dominated Team New Hampshire, 41-0, and followed that up with a 28-6 win over Team Connecticut to earn a trip to San Antonio where they fell to eventual runner-up Team Dallas, 12-7.
 
The semifinals and championship were held in San Antonio, with the title game taking place in the Alamodome following the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. These fortunate teams got to participate in many of the exciting activities of "Bowl Week," including interacting with the All-Americans as well as NFL stars and Hall of Famers.
 
The FBU National Championship and his FBU Boston camp (scheduled this summer June 28 - July 1 ) have helped establish Athletic Republic as the regions' football training destination. "I believe FBU is the best football camp out there. If you believe in what you do and your products, it is a lot easier to promote," said Vande Rydt.
 
In the process, Vande Rydt has helped raise the level of play and reputation of Massachusetts youth football, bringing the attention of area coaches and private high schools to his programs.
 
"PJ ran the Massachusetts state football team, which was the model program across the country from tryouts, the selection of coaches and ultimately the selection of the top 7th and 8th grade Massachusetts athletes. He took his team on an incredible journey which ended as a Final 5 team in San Antonio. Along the way he has further established himself as the "go to guy" for youth football in the Boston area, which has had a positive impact on his Athletic Republic training business. It helps that he is passionate about football and training. But he really made sure that he treated his athletes and parents to a first class experience. He created a great story for that community," said Rich McGuinness, President of Football University.

Congratulations to PJ, and Team Massachusetts!