FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - There's nothing the New England Patriots Alumni Club (NEPAC) likes doing more than bringing the joy of football to New England youth. For the sixth year in a row, NEPAC is teaming with the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation (NEPCF), Worcester Public Schools, The Hanover Insurance Group and Papa Gino's to bring their signature "Football For YOU" youth clinic to Worcester's Commerce Bank Field at Foley Stadium on Saturday, May 14 from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. This marks the first of four "Football for YOU" clinics offered in May and June.
"This is one of our favorite programs and is a great opportunity for our alumni to spread the love of football while encouraging New England youth to live active and healthy lives," said NEPAC President Peter Brock. "Together with Hanover Insurance and Papa Gino's, we are proud to offer this program to children ages 11 to 14, completely free of charge."
The one-day clinic will include an appearance by Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski, who will greet and speak to participants after the coaching sessions at approximately 4 p.m. More than a dozen former Patriots players will be in attendance throughout the day to conduct coaching sessions. Many of the former players will bring years of coaching experience which followed their playing careers.
"We're very excited to join with our local agent partners to sponsor this year's 'Football for YOU' clinic in Worcester," said Bill Gross, Regional Vice President for The Hanover's commercial lines business. "These clinics are a unique way for us to team up with our local partner agents and give something back to the communities where we live and work."
During the 2010 football season, Papa Gino's offered a coupon promotion which helped make the "Football for YOU" program completely free of charge for all participants.
"Once again, Papa Gino's team members and guests raised over $50,000 to support the 'Football for YOU' clinics," said Rick Wolf, president and CEO of Papa Gino's, Inc. "We appreciate the commitment of the Patriots alumni to bringing football programs to hundreds of children throughout New England."
Last year more than 500 youth from throughout the region participated in the program and gained hands-on coaching from Patriots alumni.
Hundreds of boys and girls aged 11 to 14 are expected to turn out for the event, which will also feature an NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition, with winners in each age group advancing to the sectional round of competition. All "Football for YOU" day clinics qualify as part of the NFL's PLAY 60 initiative, which promotes healthy living among young fans through 60 minutes of exercise a day. The clinic aligns with NEPAC's mission to bring the sport of football to children who may have never had the chance to participate in organized athletics.
"The Kraft family and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation are committed to bringing the sport of football to youth and encouraging kids to get active and be healthy," said Andre Tippett, Patriots Executive Director of Community Affairs. "There is no better way to get kids excited about being healthy than learning football with former Patriots players who are passionate about giving back to their local communities."
Participation is free of charge and each child receives a T-shirt and Patriots goody bags. Children will also be treated to a Papa Gino's pizza party following the clinic. To register or for more information about the "Football for YOU" program or NEPAC visit www.patriots.com/alumni.
About the New England Patriots Alumni Club
The New England Patriots Alumni Club provides an opportunity for former New England Patriots players to remain actively involved with one another, the Patriots organization and the community. The organization's mission is to support and fund youth and high school sports programs throughout New England with an emphasis on football. To learn more, visit www.patriots.com/alumni.
About Hanover Insurance Group
The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG), based in Worcester, Mass., is the holding company for a group of insurers that includes The Hanover Insurance Company, also based in Worcester, Citizens Insurance Company of America, headquartered in Howell, Michigan, and their affiliates. The Hanover offers a wide range of property and casualty products and services to businesses, individuals, and families through a select group of independent agents. The company is ranked among the top 25 property and casualty insurers in the United States and has been meeting its obligations to its agent partners and their customers for nearly 160 years. The Hanover maintains excellent ratings from A.M. Best, Standard & Poor's and Moody's. For more information, please visit www.hanover.com.
About Papa Gino's
Based in Dedham, Massachusetts, Papa Gino's, Inc. is the parent company of Papa Gino's and D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches.  Papa Gino's, Inc. operates more than 370 company-owned and franchised Papa Gino's, D'Angelo and dual-location restaurants and employs more than 5,000 people. For more information about Papa Gino's, Inc. and its brands, please visit www.papaginos.com.
About the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation
The purpose of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation is to support programs that aid the youth and families of the New England region by assisting programs that foster cultural diversity, education, family and health and fitness. To learn more, visit www.patriots.com/community.
