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Our non-profit football organization provides youth training, mentorship programs, and college recruitment services.
Who We Are
Oregon Trenches University (OTU) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt football training program that specializes in offensive and defensive line training. Our training facility is located at McKay High School in Salem, Oregon. We aim to provide elite-level training to youth athletes who are often underserved and overlooked in our community, with a focus on those in grades 6th-12th. Furthermore, we provide after-school support services such as snacks, tutoring, mentoring, and college recruiting assistance. We are highly committed to keeping our services affordable for all athletes.
Our Purpose
Sports, such as football, play an essential role in the development of young individuals. They instill values such as a strong work ethic, good sportsmanship, and leadership skills, which are crucial for personal growth and future success. Despite these benefits, many middle and high school students are unable to participate in sports due to the prohibitive costs associated with them. Unfortunately, high poverty schools and neighborhoods often have fewer sports programs available, limiting access for those who need it most.
The founders of OTU, one from the streets of Brooklyn and the other a former high-profile gang member from Salem, Oregon, hail from high poverty black and brown communities where school sports and resources were scarce. Motivated to create change in their community, they established OTU with the aim of leveling the playing field and providing opportunities to all youth, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds.
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Location: McKay High School, Building “O” (Green Shed)
Weekly Schedule
The training program will commence on December 5th, 2023, and will continue until July 18th, 2024. However, please note that it will be suspended during the regular football season.
Cost: $250 (A one-time flat rate fee will be charged for the entire training season)
For a fee of $250, you will get an OTU shirt and elite OL/DL training sessions twice a week for about seven months. The training schedule is flexible and corresponds with Salem/ Keizer school closures; holidays, breaks and weather closures. The cost includes necessary equipment and replacements due to wear and tear.
Registration is OPEN!
Oregon Trenches University’s mission is to build a football program that thrives on a culture of inclusivity and togetherness. OTU is committed to empowering young athletes with the tools they need to succeed on and off the field, be it academic, athletic, or social.
We are the only OL/DL football program in the Willamette Valley. Meet the team of coaches that make OTU the go-to youth training program in Oregon.
Born in Brooklyn, NY. I have had a very extensive football career. I played high school football at Thomas Jeffferson then transitioned to a post Graduate/ Prep school football program St Thomas More School. From there I played defensive tackle at Nassau Community College where we won the North East conference title in 2003-2004 and 2004-2005. I was awarded 1st team all conference honors for the 2004-2005 season. I went on and played Division 1 football at Delaware State University where I played for 2 years. I am currently an assistant coach at Mckay High School in Salem,Oregon, IBC 5v5 coach, IBC-Team Oregon 5th-6th grade D-line coach and South Albany RedHawks Pop Warner assistant coach. I am a Husband to a beautiful wife and a father of 2 wonderful children. My passion is helping these young men reach their football Goals.
Oregon Native, raised in Salem, I have been a personal trainer for over 25 years and I love the game of football. Specifically, the O-line and D-line. Over the past few years, I have coached Mckay Youth Football, 5v5 Lineman traveling team for Island Boy Camp (IBC) and currently an assistant coach for Mckay High School Football. I am a Husband and Father of 5 amazing children and I am truly passionate about working with youth in our community by helping them achieve their goals and pursue their football dreams.
Born and raised in southern Oregon, I come from a very athletic family. My late father John Snider played linebacker for Stanford University, and one year in the NFL for the Kansas City Chiefs. Additionally, my late uncle Dr. Malcolm Snider played for Stanford University and 6 seasons in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers. Although I didn’t play football, I was part of a dominant high school basketball program for Myrtle Point High School in Myrtle Point, Oregon. During my high school career, our team was Far-West League Champions four years in a row and placed at state 3 of those years. Most recently I have worked for the State of Oregon-DHS. I am the wife of Amanuel Smith, whom we share two beautiful children with. I have a strong passion to advocate for our youth in our community by utilizing all of my resource knowledge making sure no youth gets left behind regardless of the barriers they might face.
At Oregon Trenches University, we love to hear from members of the community. If you have a question, let us know today!