LOWELL, Mass.–More than 100 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 sixth 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.
Jeanne D’Arc has been offering this camp in Lowell in 2014, and has added Nashua and Lawrence to the camp locations over the last two years.
“Football For You has been a wonderful summer event for area youth for the last several years,” said President and CEO Mark S. Cochran. “The Patriots Alumni Club and the players that come to coach are always enthusiastic and provide a great day for the participants. The kids truly enjoy the experience.”
The Lowell clinic was held at the UMass Lowell Cushing Athletic Complex, the Lawrence clinic took place at Veterans Memorial Stadium, and the Nashua camp was held at Stellos 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 offered an educational component for parents and guardians which included topics such as nutrition, strength training, leadership and sportsmanship. The CU also purchased a meal for participants to enjoy.