July 24, 2009

LAS VEGAS - On July 30, 200 youth football players from Southern Nevada will attend a free half-day clinic at the Cox Pavilion on the UNLV campus as part of NCAA Football's national youth initiative in partnership with the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas.

This clinic, one of nine free clinics NCAA Football is hosting across the nation, will be led by the UNLV football coaching staff. One hundred youth athletes from the local YMCA will take part in the clinic, along with another 100 nominated members from local Nevada Youth Football League teams. These invited participants will enjoy an introduction from Head Coach Mike Sanford before engaging in agility drills, offensive and defensive training, and off-field character development.

"This is a great chance for young players in our community to take part in something unique, learning from top student-athletes and collegiate coaches," said Tina Kunzer-Murphy - executive director, MAACO Bowl Las Vegas. "NCAA Football puts on a first-class event and we're thrilled they have chosen to partner with the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas."

"This clinic is a great opportunity for youth athletes throughout the Las Vegas area to study not only about football, but also about the moral character that will help these kids grow and mature into responsible adults," said Bob Vecchione - chair, NCAA Football Youth Initiatives Committee. "We are honored to be involved in this event with the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas, and hope the participants enjoy exclusive access to the talent of UNLV."

NCAA Football's Youth Initiative is a $1.5 million, three year investment that began in New Orleans in 2007. Through this program, NCAA Football strives to attract more youth participants to the game, provide them with additional motivation to pursue higher education opportunities, help them develop the necessary skills to be successful on and off the field, and help to establish a new base of lifelong NCAA Football fans.