LOWELL, Mass.–More than 350 kids in the Lowell, Lawrence and Nashua areas joined players from the New England Patriots Alumni Club to participate in “Football For YOU” camps. Sponsored for the fifth consecutive year by Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, “Football For YOU” is a one-day, free football clinic, open to boys and girls, ages 9-14, of all skill levels.
The CU began offering this camp in Lowell in 2014. Last year, Jeanne D’Arc introduced the camp to Nashua and this year extended the offering to Lawrence.
“The opportunity to offer Football For YOU in our communities continues to grow, and we are thrilled to be able to provide this camp to local youth,” said Mark S. Cochran, president and CEO of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. “This is a fun and exciting day for everyone involved.”
The Nashua clinic was held at Stellos Stadium, the Lowell clinic took place at the UMass Lowell Cushing Athletic Complex, and the Lawrence camp was held at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Patriots Alumni coached the kids in non-contact strength and conditioning exercises. The youth participants ran agility exercises across the field, maneuvering around cones, as they were challenged to ladder jumps, and even practiced defensive blocks against pads.
The clinic also focused an educational component for parents and guardians which included topics such as nutrition, strength training, leadership and sportsmanship. A nutritious meal was served to all participants.