The Allstate Sugar Bowl and the NCAA Football Youth Initiative


NCAA Football's Youth Initiative is a $1.5 million, three-year investment that began in New Orleans in 2007 as NCAA Football partners with the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Through this program, NCAA Football strives to attract more youth participants to the game, provide them with additional motivation to pursue higher education opportunities, help them develop the necessary skills to be successful on and off the field, and help to establish a new base of lifelong NCAA Football fans.

NCAA Football Youth Initiative Home

In July of 2009, approximately 250 youth football players from New Orleans and the surrounding area attended a free half-day clinic at Pontchartrain Park. That clinic, one of nine free clinics NCAA Football is hosting across the nation, was led by coaches and student-athletes from Alcorn State University, Millsaps College, Nicholls State University, Tulane University and University of Louisiana Lafayette (ULL). Participants enjoyed an introduction from key Tulane University student-athletes before engaging in on-field agility drills, offensive and defensive training, and off-field character development.

Photo Gallery of 2009 NCAA Football Youth Clinic

"This is such a special chance for youth in our area to take part in something unique, learning from top student-athletes and collegiate coaches," said Paul Hoolahan - CEO, Allstate Sugar Bowl. "NCAA Football puts on a first class event and we're thrilled to have partnered with them over the past three years."

"This clinic is a great opportunity for youth athletes throughout Louisiana to study not only about football, but also about the moral character that will help these kids grow and mature into responsible adults," said Bob Vecchione - chair, NCAA Football Youth Initiatives Committee. "We are honored to be involved in this event with the Allstate Sugar Bowl, and hope the participants enjoy exclusive access to the talent of Alcorn State University, Millsaps College, Nicholls State University, Tulane University and University of Louisiana Lafayette."

The NCAA Football Youth Initiative actually began in New Orleans in 2007, when the organization made a $750,000 commitment to help re-build the Katrina-devastated New Orleans Recreation Department's youth football league in the form of clinics for coaches, players and officials; uniforms; balls; equipment; and the NORD postseason banquet, which is held annually in December.

 
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