Youth Football Clinic Is a Major Hit

MILITARY BOWL FOUNDATION TEAMS UP WITH POSITIVE CHOICES INC. AS
HUNDREDS OF LOCAL YOUTHS TAKE THE FIELD AT 20TH ANNUAL YOUTH FOOTBALL CLINIC

It was another amazing morning for local youths as they took to the field to learn from top high school, college and pro football players at the 20th annual Youth Football Clinic sponsored by the Military Bowl Foundation and organized by Positive Choices Inc. on Saturday, June 30 at Deanwood Recreation Center in Northeast Washington.

The clinic was free and open to children in first through eighth grades from throughout the National Capital Region.

Participants received expert on- and off-field training from NFL players and certified coaches as they focused on a variety of skills, from tackling and blocking to nutrition and conditioning.

“What a great opportunity for Washington youths to meet and get up-close instruction from some of their heroes,” said Positive Choices CEO Aazaar Abdul-Rahim, who is the co-defensive coordinator and associate head coach for defense at the University of Maryland and led the clinic. “It is always so satisfying to see so many youngsters running around the field and smiling while working on their skills.”

More than one dozen NFL and college football players worked the clinic, including Pittsburgh Stelelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson, Tennessee Titans offensive lineman offensive Jaelyn Duncan, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Elijah Jones, Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Rakim Jarrett, Los Angeles Rams cornerback Josh Wallace and Los Angeles Chargers running back Jaret Patterson. University of Maryland football coach Michael Locksley also attended the clinic, with several of his players, including defensive backs Lloyd Irvin III, Braydon Lee, Lionell Whitaker, Dante Trader Jr. and Perry Fisher and linebackers Daniel Wingate and Donnell Brown.

The clinic included on-field skill work as well as motivational sessions following a complimentary lunch. Wegman’s Food Markets provided hydration stations for the coaches and participants.

On the night preceding the clinic, Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck was recognized at the Positive Choices 20th Anniversary Gala for the Military Bowl’s continuous support of the clinic.

“The Military Bowl Foundation is proud to support Positive Choices,” Beck said. “In the same spirit that the Military Bowl is committed to the mission of supporting the nation’s service members, Positive Choices is committed to the mission of helping youth in the National Capital Region. We are thrilled to work with such an outstanding community partner.”

The Clinic was sponsored in part by Events DC and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation.