Contact: Chris Widmaier/National Football League                                         Joe Koenig/Ford Division
(212) 450-2000                                                                                                (313) 446-7770

Detroit, June 29, 1998 – Young boys and teens will tackle skills necessary for life, thanks to a program sponsored by the NFL and Ford Division, a division of Ford Motor Company.

The NFL C.I.T.Y. Football Junior Player Development Program, a series of free instructional football clinics, will be offered to inner-city boys ages 12-14 in nine cities with NFL teams. The summer clinics, which kick off July 6 in Chicago, will be taught by NFL coaches, former and present NFL players, local high school coaches, teachers and community leaders. Winter and spring clinics also will be offered. Youngsters from area Police Athletic Leagues will be eligible for the program.

"This program involves more than football," said Darryl Hazel, general marketing manager for Ford Division. "Our sponsorship helps provide pre-teens and teens with instruction on life skills such as discipline and teamwork. We’re also encouraging our employees and dealers to become NFL C.I.T.Y. volunteers, who serve as role models for kids in the program."

Scott Lancaster, senior director of youth programs for the NFL, said, "With Ford’s support, more than 3,000 kids will have an opportunity to participate in this year-round activity. This program gives young teenage boys a chance to learn how to play football with some outstanding instruction."

Present and former NFL players and coaches will be guest speakers at the clinics. Every clinic will highlight one life-skill message which will be presented in every drill, followed by a motivational talk by the guest speaker. Participants will take part in several mentoring sessions during the year.

Football instruction, which will be given by local high school football coaches, will be non-contact and without pads. Camps will be held at local high schools or parks and recreation facilities and will accommodate up to 200 kids. Camps will be conducted on two weeknights or weekdays per city with several camps in some cities. Boys involved in the program will be eligible for youth tackle programs and follow-up clinic sessions.

As a part of this program, Ford will recognize one high school football player every month for his athletic and academic achievements. Winners will be announced during a televised NFL game. One national winner will be invited to the 1999 Super Bowl in Miami and will receive a college scholarship.

Cities where NFL C.I.T.Y. clinics will be offered include:

Atlanta, July 7-8 Miami, July 14-15, 28-29 Oakland, July 8-9

Boston, TBD New Orleans, July 14-15 Wash., D.C., July 8-9

Chicago, July 6-7 New York, July 13-16, 22-23, 27-28

Detroit, July 16-17

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