By Elizabeth Brabants
The Savings Bank Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts (SBLI) and Tedy Bruschi teamed up for their 7th Annual youth football mini-camp at Gillette Stadium. Fifty-four boys and girls, ages 7 –14, had the experience of training like a member of the New England Patriots, led by Patriots Hall of Fame linebacker Tedy Bruschi. The event included gearing up in a locker room, getting the game plan from Bruschi and receiving an in-stadium introduction, running through the tunnel and giant inflatable helmet and onto the field at Gillette Stadium.
As if this wasn’t all exciting enough, they were then led in on-field stretching, followed by football drills and fundamentals led by Bruschi and some of his Patriots pals, Julian Edelman, Jerod Mayo, Stephen Gostkowski and former Patriot greats, including Matt Light, Joe Andruzzi, Christian Fauria, Russ Hochstein and Sammy Morris.
The lucky children were chosen via an essay contest in partnership with Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and the Boston Public Schools. The children were asked to describe their game plan for being healthy and doing their best in school.
“These are good, hardworking kids and what a treat for them to come here to Gillette Stadium,” said Tedy Bruschi.
Several spots were offered to not- for-profits, including the Greater Boston and South Shore YMCAs; Falmouth Recreation Center; the Boys and Girls Clubs of Brockton, Dorchester, Fitchburg & Leominster, Greater Lowell, Lawrence, and Woburn; the Laboure Center and the South Boston Neighborhood House.
“This is an exciting day for all of us at SBLI,” said Christopher Pinkerton, President & CEO of SBLI. “Being in the community means being a part of it and sponsoring this football clinic for seven years is a way of giving back to the community.”
The clinic taught the kids about teamwork, leadership and sportsmanship. “Without cooperating with teammates, your team won’t function,” said athlete PJ Choate of Lowell during the clinic.
Bruschi signed on with SBLI to be a spokesperson and partner on events, such as the clinic, two years after a life altering event of his own. “Because of what I went through a few years ago and having a stroke at such a young age, my relationship with SBLI has been kind of an organic one, that grew out of that time and it has been a great partnership ever since,” said Bruschi.
SBLI honcho Chris Pinkerton and the kids also surprised Bruschi with a birthday cake; the day of the clinic was #41 for #54.
SBLI and Tedy Bruschi teamed up for their 7th Annual youth football mini-camp at Gillette Stadium, where fifty-four boys and girls, ages 7 –14, had the experience of training like a member of the New England Patriots, led by Patriots legend Tedy Bruschi.
Patriots legend Tedy Bruschi was given a birthday cake by SBLI president Christopher Pinkerton and Patriots star Julian Edelman.
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