New Bedford to Host Another Free Patriots Alumni Non-Contact Football Camp

One of my very favorite youth sports organizations is coming back to New Bedford again. The New England Patriots Alumni Club returns to the Andrea McCoy Rec Center on Saturday, June 26.

It's a chance for all boys and girls ages 9-14, whether they've played football or not, to get a chance to work with former New England Patriots on skills and drills, but most importantly, the kids learn about sportsmanship and the importance of academic achievement.

Players like Patriots Hall of Fame linebacker Steve Nelson (pictured above in New Bedford) and former Patriots quarterback Steve Grogan have participated in the program. The clinic is paid for by sponsors like the New England Patriots, the NFL, and Coach Bill Belichick.

"We teach the kids the right technique, how to play football, but you might hear us asking a kid, 'how are you doing in school.'  We want them to know that all of us went to college, we all got degrees.  You can take away all the sports, but you can't take away the education." -- Former Patriots Fullback Harold Shaw (pictured above in New Bedford)

The free clinic will take place on Saturday, June 26 from 9 a.m. to noon, and is presented by the City of New Bedford Department of Parks, Recreation And Beaches.

Participants will learn about the values of leadership, teamwork, and commitment while rotating through six15-minute stations that represent different positions on the field. Each of these stations will be coached by a Patriot alumnus as well as a New Bedford High staff member and/or player.

The Patriots Alumni Club promises to keep bringing the camp back to New Bedford as long as the Rec Department keeps bringing out kids that are interested in learning.

All COVID-19 safety guidelines and protocols will be followed. All equipment will be sanitized frequently. There will be plenty of hand sanitizer available to participants throughout the day.

Participants are required to wear masks and bring their own water bottles. Players are not required to bring cleats or other equipment to participate.

The clinic will be hosted rain or shine. Space is limited due to the COVID regulations. To find out more information and/or register online, you can visit www.NBPRB.com.