HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – As part of Hanscom’s Month of the Military Child events, current and alumni New England Patriots players as well as Patriots cheerleaders held a free youth football and cheer clinic at the Hanscom track April 18.
April was designated the Month of the Military Child in 1986, by then Secretary of Defense Caspar W. Weinberger, to recognize the contribution military children make as their parent or parents serve in the armed forces.
“Youth Programs and the Child Development Center hold special events during the month of April to celebrate the Month of the Military Child,” said Ann Marie Ely, the Hanscom School Age coordinator. “We believe that our youth serve their country in a very special way and it is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to them.”
The football and cheer clinics, which are part of the NFL’s Play 60 program and the Patriots’ Football for You program, were open to children ages 7 to 14 and 174 participated in the event.
“We talk to our youth about the importance of healthy lifestyles and the Patriots Football for You event was a great way to highlight that,” Ely said. “A lot of the Patriots players serve as role models for our children and it was so great to see them interact with, teach and celebrate our military youth.”
The program featured a tackle station, pass-and-play stations and other activities designed to teach participants basic football and cheer skills.
“The experience I get coming out here with Play 60 is a lot of fun,” said Brandon Bolden, New England Patriots running back. “I get to interact with a lot of great kids who enjoy the game of football. And it helps me work on my own game as I’m coaching them.”
In addition to honing Hanscom childrens’ football and cheer skills, the Patriots see these clinics as a way to give back to local communities and military families.
“It’s great to be able to come to Hanscom Air Force Base in April, the Month of the Military Child,” said Joe Thuney, New England Patriots guard. “We have so much fun interacting and playing with the kids and being able to give back just means everything.”
For the youth participating in the football and cheer clinics, this is more than just an opportunity to learn something new.
“I think it’s really nice as military kids for us to have the Patriots come in and recognize us,” said Jaden Laboy, a participant and the son of a local Marine. “It means a lot.”
For information about other Month of the Military Child activities taking place at Hanscom, contact the Youth Center at 781-225-6043.