In the dynamic world of youth football, one team and one coach emerged as a beacon of inspiration, defying conventional norms and redefining success on and off the field. With the help of his dedicated coaching staff, Head Coach Mike Andler, in his inaugural year with the Naperville Saints, not only guided the 11U Silver Navy team to the Super Bowl, but also cultivated a profound impact on its players through an unwavering commitment to their mental well-being. This article delves into the multifaceted journey of an 11U Naperville Saints team uncovering the intricate layers of his coaching philosophy and its far-reaching influence.

As a member of the Bill George Youth Football League, the 2023 11U Silver Navy Naperville Saints football team was composed of 18 players, including 15 first-year players, and 3 coaches. The team was led by Mike Andler who was a first-year head coach and his son a first-year player. Rounding-out the coaching staff were Matt Ariano and Matt Ishikawa. Collaborating with offensive coordinator Matt Ishikawa, defensive coordinator Matt Ariano, lineman coach Brian Blitek, Andler as head coach, the four brought a harmonious balance to the team. The 2023 season stands as a testament to their collective success, boasting an undefeated record with 12 wins and securing the BGYFL Super Bowl. The team showcased remarkable prowess, scoring 292 points while allowing a mere 80 over the course of the 2023 campaign.

Andler cites that he and the coaching staff had two main goals for the season: No hostility between the players and coaches, and full transparency for players to receive feedback. When he was complimented to share opposing coaches complimenting how his team conducted himself, he shared that with the team. As Coach Matt Ariano states, “Every player, coach and parent were 100% committed to the team.  It was never about any one individual.  It was ALWAYS about the team.  It’s rare to find that at any level of sport.”

Coach Matt Ishikawa shares a similar sentiment: ” What made our team special was everyone’s true embodiment of the team concept. Not one player sought individual accolades but instead were focused on what we could all accomplish together if we worked together. Not one family complained about the role their son played, and instead were focused on what their sons could do to help the team thrive.”

At the core of Coach Andler's coaching approach is the recognition that effective communication is the bedrock of success. He introduced a balanced feedback system, ensuring that players received equal parts positive reinforcement and constructive criticism. This equilibrium, set at 50/50, created an environment of trust where players felt secure in their coach's guidance, even during challenging moments. Actively involving players in the feedback process not only streamlined practices but also cultivated a culture of continuous improvement. With time and practice, the efficiency of the players’ ability to accept feedback, translate it into action and put it into the game translated directly to their ability to improve quickly. During games he noticed that players could take the feedback in real-time and process it within the narrow window of time between plays. Andler articulates, “The players felt safe being coached.”

In a sport known for physical and mental toughness, Andler shares that loud voices don't mean a player is getting yelled at or is “in trouble.” After all, the coaching staff is on the sidelines 40 yards from the play and have to be heard! The loud aspect of the game does have the benefit of creating energy. 

Transparency became a defining theme for the team, with Coach Andler setting two principal objectives for the season: eradicating hostility among players and coaches and fostering full transparency. Beyond the internal dynamics of the team, this commitment to open communication received commendation from opposing coaches, further solidifying Coach Andler's reputation as a transformative leader.

On the topic of feedback, Coach Andler installed a daily check-in cadence with his players which emerged as a cornerstone of his coaching strategy. Before each practice, players were welcomed with a handshake and a few moments of personal connection. He would check-in with each player before practice with five key questions: How are you? How's it going for you? How are you feeling? What do you need from me? Anything else? This check-in established a routine that not only gauged players' emotional well-being but also reinforced a sense of belonging within the team. This intentional approach proved particularly effective, considering the players were 6th graders navigating the complexities of both football and adolescence.

The proof is in the pudding that the mental focus worked. Ishikawa states, “We were a serious team with a fantastic work ethic.  Coach Andler consistently pushed them hard, and they responded with energy and enthusiasm every time.  During practice and games, the mindset was strictly business and the boys showed maturity beyond their ages by always staying focused and disciplined.”

For Coach Andler, the game of football is not merely a strategic chess match of X's and O's but a medium to construct a genuine community within the team. His coaching philosophy pivots on the belief that success is not solely measured by victories but by the collective spirit that binds players together. Further, the coaching community was supportive across all age levels. Coach Andler's coaching philosophy extends beyond the field to emphasize the significance of a robust supporting cast. He underscores the importance of teamwork and collaboration among coaching staff members, encouraging new coaches to cultivate a strong support system.

“The team cared for each other, had each other’s backs, stuck together in tough times, and held each other accountable to work hard in practice and do their jobs during games. The best part of the season to me was not the outcome of the games, but that they’ll forever be friends and teammates linked by a special season” shares Ishikawa.

Coach Blitek echoes a similar sentiment: "The main reason we had such success was the kids played as a team and for the team. No one complained that they didn’t get the ball enough or why am I not starting or any other individual accomplishments. Their only focus was what was best for the team to achieve our goal of a win each week."

Not to be understated, the value of the offensive and defensive line played a crucial role in their success. While several of the teams’ players were “stripers,” some were not. Coach Andler highlights the oft-underappreciated importance of linemen. His philosophy values and appreciates the total team contribution of these players, acknowledging their pivotal role in the team's success. The mantra "One guy scores, we all score" has become the guiding principle, fostering an ethos of unity that extends beyond the confines of the football field. “The way you appreciate your line is total team value. When we win up front, the whole team wins, and we share in that success as a team. 

Line coach Mike Blitek stressed the importance of the team unity aspect, across all positions: 

The metaphor I would always tell them is to be like a fist. When all the fingers are closed there are no weak spots. Once that fist opens finger can be bent or broken. If we played as a team the chance of us breaking were very little. This was all backed up by all the coaches and especially Coach Andler, preaching the team-first message.

Coach Andler shares that a head coach needs a strong supporting staff of at least 2-4 other coaches as taking-on all team coaching and player/parent management is too much for one person. “You have to build your support coaching staff, team manager, and other coaches to help” he shares. When asked which schemes and plays to install, he goes on to state, “I was very fortunate to have the coaches we did because they empowered themselves, and I in turn empowered them. That really stood-out on the sidelines.”

Taking-on a volunteer head coaching role can be daunting. Andler shares that he was “humbled” when asked to serve as a head coach. When asked about supporting resources for coaches, he articulates that the resources were there to support him. “One thing I really loved about this football community was that other coaches were willing to help and were very open to sharing their ideas, playbooks, tips, and more. The coach-to-coach resources in the [Naperville Saints] saints are amazing.”

In the dynamic and fiercely competitive world of youth football, Coach Mike Andler and staff's inaugural season with the 11U Silver Navy team transcends the conventional narrative of victories and championships. Their unwavering commitment to prioritizing mental well-being, fostering a sense of community, and transparent communication has not only elevated the team to unprecedented success on the field but has also left an indelible impact on the lives of the young athletes under his guidance. This team’s approach stands as a testament to the belief that true victory extends far beyond the final score, influencing players, coaches, and parents alike with the essence of teamwork, community, and the pursuit of excellence. This story is not just a chapter in youth football; it is a manual for transformative leadership in sports.

Visit www.napervillesaints.org to learn more.