Record Turnout at 9th Annual Tommy Bohanon Football Clinic in Fort Myers!

North Fort Myers High School, Fort Myers, Florida, USA - The Tommy Bohanon Foundation, a pillar of support for local youth athletes, recently held its ninth annual football clinic at North Fort Myers High School, drawing a record turnout. Over 250 eager participants, along with 50 junior coaches, came together to learn the nuances of football in a setting that’s not only educational but incredibly fun. Unlike the strict training regimens of the pros, this clinic was all about enjoyment and engagement, as emphasized by Tommy Bohanon himself. Kids entering grades 1-8 took part in agility drills, catching exercises, and even hit blocking dummies, getting a taste of what serious training involves. According to Cape Coral Breeze, the excitement of young football enthusiasts was palpable, with 11-year-old Jesse Swann expressing his thrill at learning from experienced coaches.

This year marked a notable increase in female participation, with around 20 girls joining in on the action. An inspiring figure among them was 12-year-old Alexa Laurenti, who attended not only to refine her flag football skills but also to grasp tackling techniques. The energy was electric, with many coaches and volunteers, including former Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins player Kristoffer Doura, contributing their expertise to the budding athletes.

The Foundation’s Commitment

The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has steadily delivered on its promise to support young talent through various initiatives. Since its inception in 2017, the foundation has raised an impressive $1 million. The foundation’s mission is clear: to provide free football camps, scholarships, and equipment grants, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder the dreams of young athletes. The foundation awarded scholarships to three local student-athletes at their recent Playmakers Tailgate Party, which raised an astounding $265,000. This event, held at the Ranch Concert Hall and Saloon, brought together over 225 supporters who helped propel this worthy cause forward. The foundation also recently launched „Playmaker Pale Ale,“ in collaboration with Millennial Brewing, to further generate funds, with a portion of sales dedicated to supporting its programs.

In addition to their celebrated annual football camp, which is free for participants, the foundation endeavors to strengthen the youth sports community through various grants. For instance, they have awarded nearly $54,000 in grants to 14 different youth athletic programs under the Sports Equipment Grant program. This initiative aims to ensure that deserving teams have the resources they need.

Increasing Access to Youth Sports

Organizations like the Tommy Bohanon Foundation align with broader efforts to increase accessibility to youth sports. The All Kids Play program offers grants that help purchase equipment for young athletes in need, ensuring that financial hurdles don’t stand in the way of kids wishing to participate. Their structured process provides a pathway for organizations to apply for grants, ensuring that any funds go directly to the development of youth sports.

With initiatives like Bohanon’s football clinic and related programs, it’s clear that the local community is lifting its young athletes to new heights. From scholarships to grants, and from skill-building camps to creating opportunities for all—this is a network of support that’s as strong as it gets. The excitement in the air at North Fort Myers High School on Saturday was just a glimpse of the future this community is building for its youth.