FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Twenty former Patriots players, including former defensive back Roland James -- still the third-leading interceptor in team history -- will gather at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School in Roxbury on Saturday, June 11 to share years of football experience with nearly 200 local kids. The day-long camp, dubbed "Football for YOU," is a free camp provided by the New England Patriots Alumni Club (NEPAC) and The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation with help from their sponsors, The Hanover Insurance Group and Papa Gino's. It is the sixth tear that NEPAC has held the event in Boston.
"The Patriots alumni are dedicated to giving back to the communities that inspired them throughout their playing careers," said NEPAC President and former Patriots center Pete Brock. "This is a great opportunity for kids at all levels of experience to be exposed the benefits of organized sports."
The one-day clinic will include an appearance by Patriots DE Jermaine Cunningham, who will speak to children about his experience as a Patriots player and encourage them to make healthy lifestyle choices. Patriots alumni will instruct youth by coaching skill sessions throughout the first half of the day. Many former players will bring years of coaching experience which followed their playing careers.
"We're very excited to join with our local agent partners to sponsor this year's 'Football for YOU' clinic in throughout New England," said Bill Gross, Regional Vice President for The Hanover's commercial lines business. "These clinics are a unique way for us to team up with our local partner agents and give something back to the communities where we live and work."
During the 2010 football season, Papa Gino's offered a coupon promotion which helped make the "Football for YOU" program completely free of charge for all participants.
"Once again, Papa Gino's team members and guests raised over $50,000 to support the 'Football for YOU' clinics," said Rick Wolf, president and CEO of Papa Gino's, Inc. "We appreciate the commitment of the Patriots alumni to bringing football programs to hundreds of children throughout New England."
Hundreds of boys and girls aged 11 to 14 are expected to turn out for the event, which will also feature an NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition, with winners in each age group advancing to the sectional round of competition. All 'Football For YOU' youth will participate as part of the NFL's Play 60 initiative, which promotes healthy living among young fans. NEPAC values the clinics because they expose kids to football who may have never had the chance to participate in organized athletics.
"We're bringing our 'Football for YOU' youth clinics to two more locations over the next few weeks," said NEPAC President and former Patriots center Pete Brock. "We are in Providence next weekend and then we will have a special focus in Springfield on June 24, in hopes to lift spirits and show support after the devastating tornado."
Participation is free of charge and same-day registrations are welcome. Each child receives a T-shirt and Patriots gift bags. Children will also be treated to a Papa Gino's pizza party following the clinic. To register or for more information about the "Football for YOU" program or NEPAC visit www.patriots.com/alumni. Madison Park Technical Vocational High School football field is located at 75 Malcolm X Boulevard in Boston.
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. To learn more, visit www.patriots.com/alumni.
About Hanover Insurance Group
The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG), based in Worcester, Mass., is the holding company for a group of insurers that includes The Hanover Insurance Company, also based in Worcester, Citizens Insurance Company of America, headquartered in Howell, Michigan, and their affiliates. The Hanover offers a wide range of property and casualty products and services to businesses, individuals, and families through a select group of independent agents. The company is ranked among the top 25 property and casualty insurers in the United States and has been meeting its obligations to its agent partners and their customers for nearly 160 years. The Hanover maintains excellent ratings from A.M. Best, Standard & Poor's and Moody's. For more information, please visit www.hanover.com.
About Papa Gino's
Based in Dedham, Massachusetts, Papa Gino's, Inc. is the parent company of Papa Gino's and D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches. Papa Gino's, Inc. operates more than 370 company-owned and franchised Papa Gino's, D'Angelo and dual-location restaurants and employs more than 5,000 people. For more information about Papa Gino's, Inc. and its brands, please visit www.papaginos.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. To learn more, visit www.patriots.com/community.
