Football At Its Finest
By Blaise DiTommaso - Marlborough Pop Warner Coach, April 2004
Now most people associate everything about football with the rough and tough exterior of rugged, vicious men, and in some cases women, or the brutal pounding and high energy tactics/antics exhibited on the gridiron. That was not the case encountered a few weekends ago.
After attending an informative Friday night and full Saturday football clinic, organized by MasterSports, I grudgingly stuck around (my ride was staying) for the customary banquet that follows. And I’m especially glad that I did stay.
Glad, not because some of the speakers were former New England Patriots greats Steve Grogan, Steve Nelson, John Hannah and Steve Zabel, but because of something even greater. Glad, not because Romeo Crennel spoke either. Not that these very distinguished speakers didn’t have something very important to say, because they did and I learned a lot. I certainly wasn’t glad I stayed because of the food either, though it was good. I’m glad I stayed because of what I learned about MasterSports.
Now I admit it, when Skip Bandini took to the podium to speak, I just figured blah-blah-blah. But when Skip read a letter to the audience from a possible scholarship recipient, who had suffered, yet heroically endured both extreme physical and emotional abuse, and then went on to credit Football, as well as his adoptive parents and coaches, for his return to a meaningful existence, I was dumbstruck.
As I watched Skip read the letter, holding back tears at his obvious emotional disgust at what this boy when through, yet hearing his voice crack with jubilation as he awarded us with the triumphant transformation and perseverance of this young survivor, I knew right then and there that my time was not being wasted. I knew as well that this was a highly credible and very meaningful organization and that Skip Bandini has a tremendous heart and what he is doing with MasterSports is simply and unselfishly the right thing to do.
Founded in 1999 by John Paul “Skip” Bandini out of a P.O. Box in Bedford, MA, MasterSports’ initial purpose was to help coaches to be better coaches via discussion groups that started out in cafeterias or wherever they could find room. In 2000, it grew to organized clinics and the decision was made to award any and all the proceeds as football scholarships to remember fallen players and coaches. To date it has given out $19,550 in Memorial Scholarships to 34 recipients. It is also accredited by the Eastern Massachusetts Pop Warner Association as a mandatory coach’s clinic, which is why I was there in the first place.
Also highly noteworthy, is that the distinguished speakers listed above volunteered their time as well for MasterSports because of its meaningful purpose. They won’t accept any money from the event, which is even true for some of the other clinic speakers. Although Skip writes out their expense checks, most simply sign them and donate them back to cause. In our current predicament of sports personality opulence, knowing this has renewed the favorability of my one time, now never to be forgotten Patriots heroes. Caring and giving back is by far their greatest act, and I admire them even more for what they continue to do for leadership and teamwork in the game of life.
MasterSports can be reached at www.mastersports.org. I encourage everyone to browse the website for additional information and to show your support for the caring, knowledge and respect that Skip and the Board of Directors (created 4/2003) at MasterSports are bringing to the game of Football in Massachusetts. Coaches, please nominate one of your players for a scholarship today on the webpage.
Skip Bandini is the Director of Facilities for the Waltham Public Schools and the Defensive Coordinator for Curry College. The Board of Directors also include: Mike Brown, Freshman Football Coach of Newton North HS, Mike DeFelice, Head Football Coach, Alvirne H.S., William deLuze, Tight End Coach, Curry College, Ron Esposito, Director of Facilities, Tufts University, Jim Joyce, former coach at M.I.T., Chris Larsen, Proprietor, Romano’s Restaurant, Jack Mula, V.P. of the New England Patriots, and Bob Petrillo, retired Athletic Director and Football Coach at Bedford H.S.
UPDATE:
As of June, 2007 MasterSports has awarded 91 scholarships, totalling $72,500
Please nominate one of yours players today at www.MasterSports.org
