OPS FOOTBALL ACADEMY
TRAINING

Elementary Training
- Grades 3-5
- Laying the foundation for future football players by teaching the fundamentals
- Strong focus on movement and quickness
- Fun and competitive environment
Middle School
- Grades 6-8
- Strong attention to refining the skills and strengths of our athletes
- Goal-oriented focus speed, change of direction and football acumen
- Prepare athletes for high school competition
High school /college
- Grades 9-12 + College athletes
- Advanced concepts and training pushes athletes to get better as both individuals and within the collectiveÂ
trench-work lineman
SCHEDULE
Youth Football leagues
“The Yard”
Working in conjunction with The Plex, OPS Football will now be the managing body of all youth leagues beginning this fall. The Plex – at both the north and south locations will continue to be the venue for youth football programming.
“They Yard” is a six-week program for kids ages 5-10 to learn the basics of the game and have fun in a relaxed atmosphere. Sessions will be held at The Plex North. MORE INFO
When: Next Session coming this spring!Â
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Youth football leagues
Coming in November, OPS Football Academy will begin our Youth 7v7 Leagues for ages 5-14. Partnering with The Plex, our youth leagues will prioritize skill development, the principles of the game of football and fairness in terms of team balance and playing time. More Info!
Age groups: 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 (age on Nov. 1, 2022)
Cost: $165 for each eight-week session
Location: Practices and games will be on Saturdays at The Plex North
Winter I Session
Winter II Key Dates
Evaluation Day: Saturday, January 28th
Week 1: Saturday, Feb. 4
Week 8: Saturday, March 25
individual training
Looking to break down your mechanics at quarterback or your hand placement as a lineman? OPS Football Academy offers position-specific workouts for individuals. Refine your game with personal attention from our coaches!Â
Private lessons available for QB’s, DBs, DLs, LBs, and WRs. To schedule a private lesson please EMAIL US or call (260) 479-3497.
Camps and clinics
SUNDAY WINTER ACADEMY
The OPS Sunday Winter Academy will return this winter and will run January 8th – February 12th. Â
Elementary/middle school session: 3:00 – 4:15 pmÂ
$150 for the 6 week academy
Download the app to register
- Download the app by searching “Optimum Performance Sports”Â
- Register a new account or login with your credentials
- Click PROGRAMS and filter category by “Football Training”
7v7 teams and training
When Friday night lights are over for the year, OPS 7v7 keeps you competing on the field.
A six-month program that runs from December thru May, OPS is one of the premier 7v7 teams in the Midwest.Â
Now entering its third season, OPS has blown up in its short existence – capturing over 15 event wins in 2022 and being crowned Pylon National Champions at the 12u level, as well as Pylon National Runners-Up in 10u.Â
Teams in multiple age divisions compete in tournaments throughout the region while also receiving training, guidance and the opportunity for community outreach.Â
OPS 7v7 is a family and takes its role within a child’s life seriously. Our goal is to help athletes maximize their potential and present opportunities that enhance their ability to play football at the next level, as well as become outstanding members of their community and grow as individuals   Â
Athletes selected to a 7v7 team will receive:
- Team practices on Sundays
- OPS Football Academy training throughout the week
- Uniforms and gear
- Participation in regional competitions
- Community outreach opportunities
- Mandatory participation in leadership and mentorship training



PLAYER PROFILES
Want to take a deeper look at our athletes? Quickly access their academic information, athletic background, measurements, film and statistics.

meet the coaches
Football Trainers

Charles Dowdell
OPS Football Academy Director

Brandon Davis
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Kendrick Mullen
Linebackers/Defensive Backs

CJ McCarter
Offensive-Defensive Line/Linebackers

Kenny Mullen
Defensive Backs

Wes Painter
Offensive-Defensive Line/Linebackers
Charles Dowdell
OPS Football Academy Director
Coach Dowdell oversees all training with OPS Football, but specializes in work with quarterbacks. He played QB for Northrop High School and Indiana State University. He followed up his collegiate career with some time in several professional indoor football leagues before finding his way back home to Fort Wayne and OPS.

Brandon Davis
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Coach Davis is a graduate of Bishop Luers High School and went on to compete at the collegiate level at both Findlay University and Trine University. Davis has been a position coach for several programs in the Fort Wayne area and handles our WR/TE training at OPS as well as serving as a 7v7 coach.

Kendrick Mullen
Linebackers/Defensive Backs
Coach Mullen attended Bishop Luers High School and shined for the Knights on the field before graduating in 2013. He then headed to Muncie, where he played defensive back for Ball State University. Mullen serves as the defensive coordinator at North Side High School. He serves the same role with OPS 7v7 programs and trains linebackers and defensive backs.

CJ McCarter
Offensive-Defensive Line/Linebackers
Coach McCarter graduated from Bishop Luers High School in 2015, where he was named AP All-State his senior year. He moved on to play college ball at both Indiana State University and Marian University. McCarter now leads our line and linebacker training at OPS and is also part of our OPS 7v7 coaching staff.

Kenny Mullen
Defensive Backs
Coach Kenny Mullen helped Bishop Luers High School to three state championships in 2007, 2009 and 2010 before graduating in 2011. He then headed to Bloomington and appeared in all 12 games for the Indiana Hoosiers as a freshman. Over the course of his collegiate career, Mullen appeared in 38 games for the Hoosiers at defensive back and on special teams. He trains defensive backs at OPS and coaches defense with OPS 7v7.

Wes Painter
Offensive-Defensive Line/Linebackers
