Photo via Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars recently hosted 300 Hispanic children ages 9-13 at an NFL Play 60 Character Camp. The program works in collaboration with USA Football’s NFL FLAG curriculum and encourages kids to be physically active at least 60 minutes per day.

The camp is one of a summer series and a part of a Hispanic outreach program developed by Hall of Fame offensive lineman and Cincinnati Bengals great Anthony Munoz.

“The landscape of fandom in the NFL is increasingly growing global, and I am excited to see that reach the Hispanic community,” said Adriel Rocha, Jaguars manager of community relations and organizer of the event.

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Here’s a video of the event posted on Twitter:

Gotta love #FootballFridays! Jags hosting the NFL PLAY 60 Character Camp. About 300 kids running around learning football. pic.twitter.com/Js5IqbCby6

— Marcel Robinson (@MarcelASJax) July 13, 2018

The camp’s mission is to make a positive impact on youth by teaching them football skills, encouraging exercise and reinforcing the importance of character in life and sports.

Protection Tour coming to Chicago this Saturday

Photo via Building Design + Construction

USA Football’s 2018 Protection Tour continues Saturday from 3-5 p.m. at the Chicago Bears' Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Illinois, with a day of football and fitness for young athletes and their families, led by USA Football Master Trainer and Rock Island High School head coach Ben Hammer.

The free, non-contact event, held in partnership with Riddell and AIG, delivers expert-driven football and player safety information to youth football players, parents and coaches.

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The Protection Tour addresses proper tackling fundamentals, concussion education and equipment fitting. More than 200 kids will take part in fun and dynamic football drills in alignment with USA Football’s adaptation of the U.S. Olympic Committee’s American Development Model. USA Football, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is the official youth football development partner of the Chicago Bears.

Indianapolis Colts and USA Football award grants to youth programs

Photo via Fort Wayne News-Sentinel​​​​​​​

Reggie Hayes of the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel reports four Fort Wayne, Indiana, youth football programs received grants courtesy of the Indianapolis Colts and USA Football to purchase new resources.

Football in Training, Metro Youth Sports, Police Athletic League and Shawnee Middle School each received a grant valued up to $1,500, to go toward tackle football equipment from Riddell; flag football equipment from NFL FLAG powered by USA Football; uniforms from Badger Sportswear; practice equipment from Tackle Tube USA, Shadowman Sports or Gilman Gear; field-building financial support from FieldTurf; background checks from Peopletrail; or field equipment from Port-A-Field.

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“The NFL Foundation is proud to work with USA Football and our clubs to donate much-needed resources and equipment to youth football leagues and school-based football programs across the country,” said Alexia Gallahger, NFL Foundation executive director. “These efforts will help to ensure that young athletes have a safer and more sustainable environment to play in and enjoy a positive football experience overall.”

Local parents start NFL FLAG football program for community youth

Nate Rider of The Daily News says Otis Thomas and Kevin Rogers turned to NFL FLAG powered by USA Football to start the Tri-County Flag Football League in their community of Batavia, Illinois.

“We decided to jump on this because simply I feel that young kids need fundamental development first (before starting with tackle football),” Thomas said. 

The league is available for children ages 5-14. Player receive a replica NFL jersey and play 6-on-6 with two 20-minute halves.

Thomas says the process wasn’t difficult.

“It really didn’t take much,” he said. “Kevin and I contacted the NFL FLAG league and they've been very helpful and they have helped with every step. The league is open to boys and girls in all surrounding counties.”