When young athletes attend Football for YOU clinics in New England this spring and summer, former New England Patriots players will teach them more than the fundamentals of football. The players will make a personal connection with the 11-to-14 year old participants by sharing personal stories, including the importance of healthy eating habits, and the impact it plays in their lives and careers.
This added element to the Football for YOU program emphasizes the importance of good nutrition. It is the result of a partnership between the New England Patriots Alumni Club (Patriots Alumni), Solo Produce- a family owned and operated fresh fruit, and Fuel Up to Play 60, the nation’s largest in-school wellness program that empowers students to drive change and make their school a healthier place.
Under the agreement, Solo Produce, as “Official Partner” of Patriots Alumni and Football for YOU, will provide the healthy snack of fresh fruit to the 11-to-14 year old participants from Fuel Up to Play 60 at registration for each of the Football for YOU sites. A registered dietitian representative of Fuel Up to Play 60 will host an interactive nutrition education session during the clinics. The 15 minute sessions will be open to parents/guardians who are interested in learning techniques for encouraging active kids to fuel up with nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy. Solo Produce will also provide the fresh fruit and produce for the post-camp picnic for participants and families.
“We are proud to be teaming up with two great organizations to provide and instruct participants and families on the importance of healthy eating habits. As former players, we know how nutrition played into our training and now carries over to our personal lives.” said Patriots Alumni President and former Patriots center Pete Brock. Football for YOU was created by Patriots Alumni in partnership with the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund to bring the fundamentals of football to children in and around New England.
Football for YOU is the Patriots Alumni’s major community outreach. The objective is to introduce the game of football and all of its benefits to the youth of New England using Patriots Alumni as role models along with local coaches who represent the face of football in all participating communities. These one-day, non-contact clinics are open to all children ages 11 to 14. Participation is free of charge. Each child receives a T-shirt and colored Football for YOU wristband. The day concludes with a guest speaker and family picnic. Pre-registration is appreciated at www.patriotsalumni.com, but same-day registrations are welcome. The clinics are part of the NFL’s Play 60 initiative, which promotes healthy living among young fans.
Football For YOU clinics will be held in 15 locations in New England this May through July. Each clinic features former New England Patriots players coaching in conjunction with local high school staffs. Patriots Alumni teach participants the fundamentals of offensive and defensive techniques and skills. Emphasis is placed on leadership, teamwork and commitment. The clinics also give parents/guardians the option of attending 15-minute interactive educational sessions covering concussion awareness, nutrition, training of young athletes and ways of helping kids get the most out of team sports participation.
For more information about Football for YOU or Patriots Alumni visit www.patriotsalumni.com For a 2014 schedule of Football for YOU clinics click here.
About the New England Patriots Alumni Club
The New England Patriots Alumni Club’s mission is to provide an opportunity for former Patriot players to remain actively involved with each other, the Patriots organization and the community by supporting and funding youth football throughout New England. Their programs emphasize leadership, teamwork and achievement through lessons learned on the football field. The New England Patriots Alumni Club, Inc. is recognized as a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Learn more at www.patriotsalumni.com
About the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation
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. Learn more at www.patriots.com/community.
About Solo Produce
Solo Produce Company, LLC is a fresh fruit and produce company that is family owned and operated and has been for four generations of the Mattuchio family. Servicing New England's wholesalers, supermarket chain stores, foodservice distributors, restaurants, institutions and independent markets with quality fruit, produce and provisions. Solo Produce is located in the Boston Market Terminal in Everett, MA where we receive the freshest produce daily from around the world.
About Fuel Up to Play 60
Fuel Up to Play 60 is the nation’s largest in-school wellness program that empowers students to drive change and make their school a healthier place encouraging active kids to fuel up with nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy. Created in partnership by the National Football League and National Dairy Council, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fuel Up to Play 60 is sponsored locally by New England Dairy & Food Council and the New England Patriots
Source: Solo Produce Company, LLC
