More than 300 children hit the field on a hot and sunny day as the Military Bowl Foundation, Positive Choices Inc. and Events DC held their annual free Youth Football Clinic this past Saturday at Deanwood Recreation Center in Northeast.
The youths were joined on the field by several NFL players as well as college players from Maryland, Howard and U-Mass., while D.C. Council members Vincent Gray and Trayon White also attended.
“What an amazing day for so many children from throughout the National Capital Region community,” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “We are sure they will remember this day for a long time, both for the great instruction as well as the life lessons that these role models shared.”
The group of NFL players included Shaun Dion Hamilton of the Washington Redskins, Derwin Gray of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jermaine Carter of the Carolina Panthers, Jalen Tabor of the Detroit Lions, Cyrus Jones of the Baltimore Ravens, Darnell Savage of the Green Bay Packers and Cavon Walker of the Kansas City Chiefs. Also sharing their knowledge were Pep Hamilton, coach of the new XFL DC franchise also participated and several coaches from U-Mass. Many players from Friendship Collegiate Academy volunteered their time to coach the youngsters.
As temperatures soared during the day, Coca-Cola Consolidated Inc. kept everyone hydrated.
After a dynamic warmup, the participants divided into groups spread across the field to take part in drills working on their footwork, techniques and agility, while taking frequent water breaks. The gym was filled to capacity as participants were provided a complimentary lunch and listened to a panel discussion. The clinic resumed in the afternoon with more drills and games.
View photos from the event on the Military Bowl Foundation Facebook page!
