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Children learn from the Lions at Inspire Change Football Clinic
During this season of giving, the team gave dozens an experience they will never forget. Under the Wednesday night lights of Ford Field, there’s plenty of action. But it was not from the boys in Honolulu blue. It was the Youth of Metro Detroit.
DETROIT (FOX 2) - Whether it's on or off the field, the Detroit Lions are always giving many a reason to smile. Meanwhile, players showed love to a local teacher and shopped for gifts with the children.
During this season of giving, the team gave dozens an experience they will never forget. Under the Wednesday night lights of Ford Field, there’s plenty of action. But it was not from the boys in Honolulu blue. It was the Youth of Metro Detroit.
The Detroit Lions hosted a football clinic for their youngest fans through the Inspire Change Initiative.
"One of the things that we’re so passionate about is helping to develop youth so that they can achieve their fullest potentia," said Roxanne Caine of the Detroit Lions Foundation. "And what better way to grow the game than through the love for football."
Six local non-profit organizations brought students to the stadium to learn the game from Lions coaches, play with Roary, and meet long snapper Hogan Hatten.
"I think it’s more important to see us now. Outside of the uniforms and realize like we’re all normal people, and we want to be apart of the community as badly as you want us to be apart of the community," said Hatten.
"What does it mean to now be in the position to give back to these kids?" asked FOX 2's Brandon Hudson.
"It’s really a blessing. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do because I’ve always wanted to put my best foot forward in sports," said Hatten. "I never thought I’d make it this far, but now that I have, it’s really fun to share the dream and tell everyone it’s possible."
There are more than 100 kids at this clinic.
The NFL kicked off its "Inspire Change" initiative in 2017 as a way to connect the league to social justice causes. Since then, teams have committed more than $300 million through grants and donations to local groups. Beyond the money, it’s offered experiences that kids will never forget, including the children from Athletes for Charity.