GameAbove continues to create opportunities for Detroit youth to stay active, build confidence and connect with positive role models through sports.

On Monday, August 3, the GameAbove Youth Football Clinic welcomed more than 70 young athletes from the Detroit Police Athletic League football community to Tom Adams Field at Wayne State University.

GameAbove provided funding for the clinic and partnered with Detroit PAL to engage its football community. Wayne State Football hosted the event, with its coaches and student-athletes leading participants through football drills and skill-building activities.

For Wayne State head football coach Terrance Isaac, supporting Detroit PAL carried personal significance.

“PAL did so much for me as a kid, so this was an easy decision for us,” Isaac said. “My players were extremely happy about this opportunity. We had additional guys come out who wanted to help.”

Every member of Wayne State’s football coaching staff participated, along with 16 student-athletes who volunteered their time to work directly with the young athletes.

Junior cornerback Amauri Haller said the enthusiasm throughout the day made the experience especially rewarding.

“Giving back is really important to me,” Haller said. “The energy was unbelievable. The kids wanted to learn and play football. Partnering with GameAbove is something we want to continue. Giving back and receiving support from GameAbove means a lot to us.”

Despite the summer heat, participants remained engaged throughout the clinic as Wayne State coaches and players guided them through activities on the field.

“Sports have the power to bring young people together, build confidence and create lasting connections,” said Matthew Shepard, GameAbove Chief Community Outreach Officer for Sports. “Through our partnership with Detroit PAL and the support of Wayne State Football, we were able to give these young athletes a positive experience while investing in the people and organizations serving Detroit’s youth.”

The GameAbove Youth Football Clinic marked the organization’s first football clinic, expanding its support of youth sports programming that has also included basketball and volleyball clinics throughout Detroit.

Through partnerships with organizations such as Detroit PAL and Wayne State, GameAbove is creating active, positive experiences that connect young people with new skills, supportive role models and their broader community.

Watch the video: Hear from participating youth, a parent, Wayne State coaches and student-athletes, and see highlights from the GameAbove Youth Football Clinic.