FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Through a $550,000 grant by the NFL Youth Football fund, 150 current and former NFL players and coaches, including five members of the Atlanta Falcons, have held or will hold free youth football camps in 2009. Members of the Falcons conducting camps include: linebacker Tony Gilbert, tight end Ben Hartsock, punter Michael Koenen, fullback Ovie Mughelli and linebacker Mike Peterson.
“As they prepare for the season, our players and coaches also recognize the importance of giving back during the offseason,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who serves on the NFL Youth Football Fund board of directors. “Youth football camps are an excellent way to help young fans learn skills and stay active and fit.”
Below are the locations and dates for the camps:
- TE Ben Hartsock – June 6 in Chillicothe, Ohio
- P Michael Koenen – June 27 in Ferndale, Wash. (and a past camp on March 21 in Flowery Branch)
- FB Ovie Mughelli – July 18 in Charleston, S.C.
- LB Mike Peterson – June 19 in Jacksonville, Fla. and June 27 in Gainesville, Fla.
- LB Tony Gilbert – Past camp on April 25 in Norcross
On Saturday, June 6, Falcons quarterback D.J. Shockley hosted the First Annual D.J. Shockley Football camp in Jonesboro, which was free of charge to youth football players. The camp focused on everything from drills and technique to character and self-esteem building.
