PHILADELPHIA – This past Sunday, Temple University’s head football coach Matt Rhule held the first ever #TUFutures youth football camp - a free clinic for kids in grades K through 8. Even with the inclement weather forcing the event to be held inside, nearly 500 kids came out to participate. Kids in grades K-4 were placed in Pearson McGonigle Hall, and kids in grades 5-8 completed their drills in Temple’s Pavilion indoor practice facility.
“We just wanted to do it as a community service event,” Rhule said. “An opportunity for our players and coaches to give back to the kids, so that they can come out and have a great day.”
Temple's head coach Matt Rhule assisting the kids with some hands-on drills
The Temple football team as a whole had a strong showing at the event. Besides Rhule, all of the assistant coaches played a part in organizing the event and coaching the kids through drills. There was also a strong turn-out from the players, who helped keep the kids organized and prepared.
“It is something they can come to and be around our players and coaches,” said Temple defensive coordinator Phil Snow. “Youth football is big here, so I think it is a great thing Matt has done.”
“It shows that we are willing to work with kids, teach them the values of sportsmanship and just to have fun,”said TUFB wide receiver Ventell Bryant.
Kids completing drills in the Pavilion at Temple University - PSD Photo
Temple football players & coaches were some of the many volunteers at the event - PSD Photo
The parents of the kids who were participating also seemed to be pleased with how the clinic was put together. Besides it being a free event, the parents were able to stand close to all the activities taking place in order to get a good look at their children interacting with the coaches and players.
“It is the first time my son has been in a facility like this,” said Jamal Lewis. “It makes them want to keep going.”
The young players were separated into groups by what position they played, and the coaches and members of the Temple football team would be at every station showing the kids a new drill. Participants ended up rotating to different stations throughout the day where they were taught many aspects of the game from Temple's coaches, staff and volunteers.
TU Futures Football Clinic (7 Photos)
The event was also a chance for coach Rhule to show off Temple's campus to all those who participated.
Most importantly, Rhule hoped to show these aspiring athletes the benefits of playing football and the positive effects it can have on them both on the field as well as in the classroom.
“We are proud of Temple, and we want to show Temple off to these kids,” Rhule said. “It was really proud for me to show the kids at the beginning who has graduated already from college, and who is going to graduate this fall.”
With the turnout being as strong as it was, Rhule expects #TUFutures to be an annual clinic that will continue to grow for years to come.