FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Former Patriots players, including former defensive back Roland James - still the third-leading interceptor in team history - will gather on Commerce Bank Field at Foley Stadium in Worcester on Saturday, June 16, to share years of football experience with local boys and girls. 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 (NEPCF) with help from their sponsors, The Hanover Insurance Group and Papa Gino's. It is the fifth year that NEPAC has held the event in Worcester.
"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 tackle Marcus Cannon, who will speak at 3:45 p.m. 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 Worcester," said Bill Gross, Regional Vice President for The Hanover Insurance Group'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."
"Papa Gino's is proud to support the 'Football for YOU" clinics again this year," said Rick Wolf, president and CEO of Papa Gino's, Inc. "We admire the commitment the Patriots Alumni have shown in giving hundreds of children throughout New England a chance to participate in this great football program."
Hundreds of boys and girls ages 11 to 14 are expected attend for the event. 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.
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. For more information about the "Football for YOU" program or NEPAC visit www.patriots.com/alumni. Commerce Bank Field at Foley Stadium is located at 305 Chandler Street in Worcester, Mass.
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 The Hanover
Founded in 1852, The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG) is proud to be celebrating 160 years of delivering on its promises to its agent partners and their customers. The Hanover offers a wide range of property and casualty products and services to businesses, individuals, and families through a select group of agents and brokers, and is ranked among the top 25 property and casualty companies in the United States.
Based in Worcester, Mass., The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. 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, Chaucer Holdings PLC, based in London, and their affiliates. Through Chaucer, the company underwrites business at Lloyd's of London in several major insurance and reinsurance classes, including property, marine and aviation, energy, U.K. motor and casualty. 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.
