Close to 140 moms came out to learn more about America’s most popular sport, and keeping safe …
The Atlanta Falcons pulled out all the stops to teach Moms the inside info– how to fit their child’s helmet and shoulder pads properly, why it is important to learn the proper technique for tackling, how they can help support their young athlete, …
and more.
Former Atlanta Falcons Linebacker and Kids & Pros Executive Director Buddy Curry was the emcee for the evening, and a team of NFL Alumni including: Bobby Butler, Robert Moore, Ken Oxendine and Michael Harris helped Moms through the drills on the field to understand what “Heads Up Tackling — skying the eyes and ripping the arms” meant.
“There’s a lot of misinformation out there, about percentages of concussions and occurrances in football and other sports –the Atlanta Falcons Moms clinics held around the state are an opportunity to come out and learn the facts about the sport, as well as see the changes the NFL has made to make the game better and safer over the past decade,” said Curry. “Moms will enjoy the drills the kids are experiencing for themselves and have more emphathy for what their son/daughter is experiencing and the fun of the game. It’s all about balancing that fun and safety.”
The Atlanta Falcons hosted a two – part presentation — the first part was classroom learning about football — how to fit equipment, what a concussion is and how to evaluate a possible concussion, supplement use and what to avoid, training, proper tackling technique and more. Dr. Adam Shunk from Gwinnett Medical Concussion Institute presented, as well as Brian Parker from the Taylor Hooten Foundation, and former Atlanta Falcon and USA Football Master Trainer Buddy Curry and Falcons team handled the football information.
“I finally caved in and came to an Atlanta Falcons Moms Clinic,” said Deana Neal, one of the Moms attending last night. “My son has been dying to play football and I finally decided to let him play, so I figured I’m come and get more information. He is 10 years old, going into the 5th grade–but I was worried about him getting hurt. I came tonight to get an appreciation for why he thinks football is so awesome–but I can see why–it’s a lot of fun.”
“We hope the Falcons will keep putting on these clinics — they are so good for the community,” said Ashley Cagle, mom of a 10 year old player in the Grayson Athletic Association.
“We get lots of information on football safety –info on concussion awareness/equipment fitting, and even a lot of Falcons goodies– t-shirt, bag, dinner — and have a great time– it is SUPER fun,” said Laura Cleghorn, mom of a GAA football player as well.
There will be three more Moms Clinics this Fall — the next one will be held in Hilton Head, SC, at the end of August (8/22), then there will be two more in Metro Atlanta in September and October. For more information, please log onto the Atlanta Falcons website at
http://atlantafalcons.com/momsclinics
If you are interested in having your son/daughter come out to learn more about proper tackling technique or enjoy and afternoon of skills and drills led by NFL Alumni, please join Kids & Pros for a FREE youth football clinic in Dacula, September 18th from 1-5 pm— for more information visit http://kidsandpros.comin the camps and clinics section.
