USA Football recently completed its seven-stop 2017 Protection Tour that included appearances in Denver (see video), San Francisco, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.

A total of 1,360 athletes ages 7 to 14 took part in the free, fun football camps at NFL stadiums or practice facilities, led by USA Football master trainers. Riddell and AIG sponsored the three-hour camps, which promoted enjoyment of the game, health and safety education, proper equipment fitting and tackling fundamentals.

Each camp featured current or past NFL players. This year’s alumni attendees included former Pittsburgh Steelers running back and ESPN personality Merril Hoge (pictured below), and Buffalo Bills special teams legend Steve Tasker.

 

After campers check in and receive their jersey, Riddell staff fitted the players for helmets, and they can take photos with NFL players, mascots and cheerleaders. 

With family cheering them on, players then run onto the field, where adults and kids alike learn about Heads Up Football, USA Football’s comprehensive safety program. While the young athletes go through fundamental drills, parents get further information on health, safety and helmet fitting.

From a satisfaction standpoint, 95 percent of parents surveyed said they’d recommend the Protection Tour camp to others.

One parent said, “Great family experience. My son had a great time. He loved the drills, and he can’t wait for practice so he can talk about it. Plus my wife enjoyed the parent information segment. It eased her mind knowing that our son will be taught the Heads Up way of tackling.”

Click here to view all of the action photos from the #ProtectionTour.

Visit USAFootball.com to learn more about the Protection Tour and other USA Football resources, programs and events.