The E.J. Henderson Youth Fitness Academy (HYFA) was founded on the principle that in a society where a great emphasis is placed on maintaining a physically active lifestyle, few after school programs offer “structured” fitness programs for youth. The need for youth fitness programs has been recognized and confirmed by extensive research that shows today’s youth are in the worst physical shape ever.
The HYFA provides the traditional aspects of sports and fitness training that have been neglected by many coaches and trainers. HYFA uses certified teachers, counselors, professional trainers and coaches to instruct all programs. HYFA will focus on teaching the fundamentals while paying close attention to the “little things”. For this reason HYFA created its competitive advantage based on competencies that are distinct from its competitors and thereby revolutionize youth after school programs.
North Minneapolis is the primary target for our fitness first academy. We plan to work with the City of Minneapolis to occupy one of the five vacant schools to facilitate our first youth fitness academy. We will fulfill our objective of community empowerment by providing a world class facility and innovative educational, mentoring and fitness programs within our urban neighborhoods.
About E. J. and his family
E.J. Henderson
Linebacker, Minnesota Vikings
E.J. Henderson is the founder of The E.J. Henderson Youth Foundation (HYF). E.J. has a true compassion for working with youth and nurturing their physical development. His philosophy is that supportive guidance, mentoring and proper physical training contribute to the physical, mental and emotional well-being of youth, and he is committed to making The Henderson Youth Foundation a community leader in this area.
Personal Information:
- Actively involved with the Minneapolis Park and Rec. Board
- Earned his degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice in 2002
- Avid movie fan and enjoys playing basketball in his free time
- Attended same high school as Baltimore Oriole legend Cal Ripken, Jr
- Younger brother, Erin, is on the University of Maryland football team
- Selected with the 40th overall choice in the 2003 NFL Draft. He was the 3rd LB taken that year.
- First player the Vikings have drafted from the University of Maryland
- Winner of the 2002 Butkus Award, presented to the top collegiate linebacker