November 16, 2004

New England Patriots and United Way Team Up for Hometown Huddle

Quincy Youth Get Tips from the Pros at Gillette Stadium

The New England Patriots Mascot greets students from Atlantic Middle School in Quincy shortly after their arrival at the Patriots practice facility in Foxborough for the 2005 Hometown Huddle. Patriots star Willie McGinest (left) runs blocking drills with the students.

BOSTON – Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots and cheerleaders took to the field today at Gillette Stadium's practice bubble to promote physical activity amongst youth as part of United Way of Massachusetts Bay’s (UWMB) annual Hometown Huddle event. Over 100 eighth graders from Atlantic Middle School in Quincy had the unique opportunity to participate in a skills clinic conducted by players and cheerleaders. Volunteers from the South Shore YMCA and Northeastern University Sport in Society were on hand to assist the Patriots as they ran through a series of activities during the afternoon.

Atlantic Middles School was selected to participate in this year’s Hometown Huddle because they are a partner in UWMB ’s recently launched Fitness and Nutrition Initiative aimed at promoting good nutrition and physical activity among middle school youth in Quincy and Milton. South Shore YMCA and Northeastern University Sport in Society are partners as well.

Hometown Huddle is a national community service project between United Way of America and the NFL. Every NFL team across the country worked with their local United Way on November 16th to drive home the importance of community involvement.
Scroll down for more pictures!

Linebacker Rosevelt Colvin leads a footwork drill. This year's Hometown Huddle saw a high percentage of young girls partcipating.

Students tested their field-goal kicking abilities as part of the afternoon's activities.

Under Colvin's watchful eye, a middle school student dives for a pass, landing safely on a mat below.

Members of the New England Patriots' Cheerleading squad led a clinic for future cheerleaders.

Patriots wide receiver Bethel Johnson (left) works on blocking with a Ty Law fan.

Colvin (right) and Patriots' safety Rodney Harrison (second from left) lead the students in a group cheer following the practice clinic.

Each student received an NFL/United Way t-shirt that echoed this fall's NFL/UW television spots.

Another happy participant.

Media inquires should contact:
Jeff Bellows
Phone: 617-624-8250
Fax: 617-624-9114
E-mail: jbellows@uwmb.org