The rugby fields at Qualcomm Stadium were abuzz July 28th for the Kaiser Permanente NCAA Football Youth Clinic. Nearly 600 boys and girls ages 5 to 14 participated in this San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl event, making it far and away the largest such clinic in the country.

This was a free event for all participants.

“What and amazing turnout,” said Bruce Binkowski, executive director of the bowl game. “Thanks to the support of NCAA Football and all our coaches, this event was able to provide a truly memorable experience for all of our young participants.”

The day began with a motivating speech by San Diego State Aztecs alum and Super Bowl champion, Freddy Keiaho. Then it was time to play some football. NCAA Coaches and student-athletes led the kids through drills and instruction. Once the drills were done the kids enjoyed a lunch that was generously donated by Chick-fil-A, popchips and POWERADE. After lunch, participants competed in the second annual San Diego Chargers Punt, Pass & Kick Contest. After all had tried their hand (and foot) at the competition, participants Zakary Darling (5-7 yrs.), Dakarai Allen (8-10 yrs.) and Rodrigo Reyes (11-14 yrs.) were crowned victorious in their respective age divisions.

Kids also received complimentary event t-shirts and more.

Several bowl corporate partners joined the bowl game and NCAA Football to make the event possible, including Kaiser Permanente, San Diego County Credit Union, Cox Communications, XX 1090 Sports Radio, the San Diego Chargers, POWERADE, popchips, Chick-fil-A, San Diego Family Magazine and the Brewer Family Fund.

NCAA Football hosts youth clinics in 22 bowl cities across the country. This program is part of the organization’s greater initiative of reaching kids who dream of playing the game.