Even Field Delivers Message that “How” Matters in Sports and Life
When young athletes attend Football For YOU clinics in New England this spring and summer, former New England Patriots players will teach them more than the fundamentals of football. The players will make a personal connection with the 11–14 year old participants by sharing personal stories, including challenges faced growing up, and the impact those experiences had on their lives and careers.
This added element to the Football For YOU program emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship and character. It’s the result of a partnership between the New England Patriots Alumni Club (Patriots Alumni) and Even Field, a nonprofit dedicated to improving integrity and ethical behavior in sports and life. Even Field’s founder is award-winning interviewer Chuck Wilson, the long-time ESPN Radio host. Under the agreement, Wilson will interview Patriots alumni at the clinics about their careers and discuss character lessons the players learned that will relate to the 11–14 age group. Wilson also will converse with adults about their role in helping young athletes get the most out of playing team sports.
“We share Even Field’s commitment to promoting positive core values and look forward to Chuck’s interaction with players, parents, and young athletes at our football clinics.” — Pete Brock, Patriots Alumni President and former Patriots center
Even Field believes this approach makes an impact.
“Storytelling is powerful. It makes a lasting impression, especially when conveyed in a relatable way by athletes whom kids admire. Pete Brock and Patriots Alumni are committed to helping kids and giving back to the community. It’s a privilege to join them in encouraging young adolescents to think about the role of character in their lives. We hope to inspire young athletes to value their integrity and see that ‘how’ they win, compete, reach goals, and do everything else in life — matters.” — Chuck Wilson, Founder, Even Field
Football For YOU was created by Patriots Alumni in partnership with the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund to bring the fundamentals of football to children in and around New England. These one-day, no-contact clinics are open to all children ages 11–14. Participation is free of charge. Each child receives a T-shirt and colored Football For YOU wristband. The day concludes with a guest speaker and family picnic.
Football For YOU clinics will be held in 15 locations in New England. An emphasis is put on leadership, teamwork, and commitment. Parents and guardians may also attend 15-minute interactive educational sessions covering concussion awareness, nutrition, training of young athletes, and ways of helping kids get the most out of team sports participation.
For more information about Football For YOU or Patriots Alumni, visit patriotsalumni.com.
About the Organizations
New England Patriots Alumni Club: The Patriots Alumni mission is to provide an opportunity for former Patriot players to remain actively involved with one another, the Patriots organization, and the community by supporting and funding youth football throughout New England.
Even Field: Even Field is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing greater integrity and ethical behavior to sports and life. Its Peer Into Character™ programs use storytelling, role modeling, mentoring, and positive peer influence to help children become ethical thinkers who value their character and care about others.
If you believe our mission is worthy and you are in a position to support us, your gift of any amount would be appreciated. Donations to Even Field are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Support Even FieldContact
Pete Brock, President, New England Patriots Alumni Club — pbrock@patriotsalumni.com
Chuck Wilson, Founder, Even Field — c.wilson@evenfield.org