Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

BDU Elite Foundation is a nonprofit youth football and development program based in Gary, Indiana. We provide athletic and competitive football training, tournaments competing against the best teams and players across the country, academic support, and life skills development for student-athletes ages 10–18, primarily serving underserved communities. 

Our program is currently open to boys and girls ages 13–18 who are committed to improving their athletic ability, academic success, and personal growth. We primarily serve youth from Gary and Northwest Indiana. Effective December 2025, we will offer programming for ages 10-18.

Tryouts are normally around December with official practices starting in January. The official tryout dates and program schedule for the upcoming fiscal year is still being coordinated and currently TBD. Updates will be posted on our website and shared with registered families. 

Our program is year-round. BDU trains and throws various skill camps + workouts throughout the year to keep athletes in shape and mentally sharp. 

Official practices, training, and development begin in January. January through May will consist of up to 3 weekend tournaments each month. June through August is intense training, health, and wellness season. Tackle and student’s respective school football teams are typically from August through December. To avoid scheduling conflicts, no BDU football games are offered during this time. Most educational support begins in August, and extends throughout the academic school year for participants as needed.  

Practices are held at the Great Lakes Sports Hub located at 1301 Merrillville Road, Crown Point, IN, 46307, and take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6:00–8:00 PM. 

Games are typically held on Sundays.

Athletes receive year-round football training, academic enrichment (tutoring, study hall, SAT/ACT prep), mentoring, leadership development, and opportunities for community service. 

We strive to make the program accessible. Costs vary depending on travel and tournaments, but we also provide scholarships, sponsorship opportunities, and fundraising support to reduce financial barriers.  

Our coaching staff includes current and former athletes, certified volunteers, and trained professionals with experience at the Pop Warner, high school, and pro levels. Mentors include educators, community leaders, and professionals from various fields. 

The program is funded through donations, sponsorships, partnerships, and occasional tournament fees. All funds are reinvested into program operations, travel, equipment, and academic resources. 

You can support us by donating, sponsoring a team, volunteering, or attending our events. Visit our Support Us page for details. 

Registration can be completed online through our website once enrollment opens. Families will need to complete an application, provide emergency contact information, and sign waivers for participation. Financial assistance may be available for qualifying families. 

BDU provides a holistic experience that combines elite football training with academic support, mentorship, life skills, and community engagement. We remove financial barriers by covering equipment, uniforms, and travel expenses, ensuring all youth have equal opportunities to succeed. 

Athletes are expected to attend practices and games regularly, maintain good academic standing, demonstrate respect on and off the field, and actively participate in mentorship and community service activities.

BDU provides tutoring, study halls, SAT/ACT prep workshops, and mentorship focused on college readiness and goal-setting. Academic progress is monitored, and athletes receive guidance to stay on track for graduation and post-secondary opportunities.

All coaches and volunteers are certified and trained in youth development and sports safety. Athletes receive education on injury prevention, nutrition, and mental health support. BDU maintains a safe, structured environment to reduce exposure to high-risk behaviors. 

Every dollar goes directly back into supporting youth. Donations fund equipment, uniforms, travel, academic resources, staff training, and facility costs. None of the funding is wasted—our focus is on maximizing impact for participants. 

Over the next three years, BDU plans to launch an academic success center with tutoring labs, expand the coaching staff with paid roles, secure a permanent training facility, and establish a scholarship fund while hosting recruiting showcases for athletes.