The Springfield College football program is hosting its third annual youth clinic at the college on Monday, Aug. 21 for student-athletes in grades three through eight.
Registration opens at 9:30 a.m. and the clinic runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Stagg Field. Admission is free.
Drills will be organized and conducted by current Springfield College football players. Organizers are looking forward to at least 100 athletes coming to this year’s clinic.
The first clinic brought in between 50 to 60 athletes, while last year’s brought in 75.
“It’s just a way to give back to the youth, to promote the game and build the game in Western Mass.,” Springfield College football coach Mike Cerasuolo said. “Just get kids out in a fun environment and with college football players. … It’s about our own players giving back to the youth too, because, without them continuing to play, there’s no game.
At the end of the two-hour session, pizza and ice cream will be served to athletes.
“What more could you want?,” Cerasuolo said.
Excel Sports Academy owner Steve Martin is a co-organizer of this year’s clinic. Excel is a football skills development organization that also hosts showcase camps during the summer in Western Massachusetts.
“It’s about giving back to the community,” Martin said about the youth clinic.”The biggest thing is growing the game and keeping the game fun.”
“Football has given so much to everybody that’s involved in our program out here,” Cerasuolo added. “We’re grateful for what we have and never take it for granted. Any opportunity we have to continue to give back to the game that’s given us so much, we will do it.”
All inquiries about the clinic can be sent to Steve Martin at 413-530-1772.