News: Former Pats players bring free youth football clinic

FOXBORO, Mass. - The New England Patriots Alumni Club (NEPAC), announced that more than a dozen former Patriots players are gearing up to host a "Football for You" youth clinic in Worcester on Saturday, May 29 from 12:30-5:00 p.m.

The "Football for You" clinic is being offered free of charge through a partnership with the NEPAC, the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, The Hanover Insurance Group and Papa Gino's. It will take place at Commerce Bank Field at Foley Stadium and can accommodate hundreds of youth.

"We very happy to extend our reach into the city of Worcester for this great program," said Josh Kraft, the president of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation. "This camp will provide an opportunity for the youth of Worcester to learn basic football skills from great teachers."

During the free day-camp, former Patriots players will join forces with Worcester-area high school football coaching staff to provide instruction on football fundamentals to hundreds of boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 14. Attendees will be able to participate in an NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition, with winners in each age group advancing to the sectional round of competition. Participants also will take part in a motivational discussion, take home T-shirts and enjoy an autograph session with the players, making it a fun, educational and memorable experience. The event will wrap up with a delicious dinner provided by Papa Gino's for all of the participants and their families.

"Papa Gino's is a proud partner of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and the 'Football for You' camps," said Rick Wolf, president and CEO of Papa Gino's, Inc. "We appreciate the efforts of our Team Members and guests to raise over $50,000 for these camps that will bring football programs to hundreds of teenagers throughout New England."

This is the fifth year NEPAC will conduct "Football for You," giving aspiring stars the chance to learn skills from the former pros. Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Tippett, team Hall of Famer Steve Grogan, as well as other past Patriots greats Roland James and Ronnie Lippett are among the dozens of alumni who have served as instructors leading the skill sessions in past years.

Last year marked the first time "Football for You" expanded out of Boston to Worcester. This year, with The Hanover, a leading provider of property and casualty insurance headquartered in Worcester, and Papa Gino's serving as sponsors, "Football for You" will continue to offer day-camps in Boston and Worcester, while expanding into Springfield and Providence as well.

"The charter of the New England Patriots Alumni Club is to give back to youth football in the New England area," said NEPAC President Peter Brock. "Over the last four years, 'Football for You' has given many former Patriots players the chance to share their skills with young athletes. The Hanover and Papa Gino's have provided tremendous support in this effort, which gives us the chance to fulfill our charter one-on-one."

"We are thrilled to help bring 'Football for You' to Worcester," said Bill Gross, regional vice president for The Hanover. "As a company dedicated to helping youth reach their full potential, we hope that through these positive role models, youth who attend will walk away inspired to give it there all when it comes to playing sports, as well as other aspects of their lives, and maximizing the opportunities available to them."

Walk on registration will be accepted at Commerce Bank Field at Foley Stadium at 12 p.m. A parent or guardian must accompany each participant.

About the New England Patriots Alumni Club

The New England Patriots Alumni Club provides an opportunity for former New England Patriots players to remain actively involved with one another, the Patriots organization and the community. The organization's mission is to support and fund youth and high school sports programs throughout New England with an emphasis on football.

The purpose of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation is to support programs that aid the youth and families of the New England region by assisting programs that foster cultural diversity, education, family and health and fitness.

Read more at: http://www.patriots.com/alumni/index.cfm?ac=alumninewsdetail&pid=43092&pcid=48&rss=1&cp