MVP Drew Powell Joins Flag Football Clinic

December 16, 2022

Kyle Knox

Managing Editor

Saturday, Dec. 3, the Tribal Recreation and Wellness, in collaboration with Brown Performance Strength & Conditioning (BPSC), hosted a flag football clinic at the Sacaton Fairgrounds. The clinic drew dozens of youth ages seven to 17 to learn the rules of the game, develop football skills, and speed training.

The camp also featured a notable special guest, Arizona Rattlers quarterback and three-time MVP Drew Powell. The clinic was Powell’s first opportunity to work in the Community. However, it was a welcome addition to the clinic, where he shared his professional football expertise and worked alongside youth in every aspect of the conditioning clinic. 

“Our goal is to help encourage youth to overcome personal obstacles, achieve their goals, and become better athletes through these clinics,” said Maurice Brown. He cofounded BPSC and serves as the Arizona Rattlers’ head strength and conditioning coach.

“For this clinic, we just wanted the kids to have fun, be active, and learn the game of flag football and hopefully they can get together and play in their own communities after,” said Brown.

Despite the rainy conditions that morning, two clinics took place for the ages 7-11 and 12–17-year-olds. The groups utilized the existing ramadas at the fairgrounds, where youth completed different football drills modeled after the Arizona Rattlers training program. Then the youth demonstrated their training during a flag football scrimmage game at the end of each session.

“I do my part to get out to certain communities that don’t have as much access to these kinds of opportunities and I want to plant a seed and give back,” said Drew Powell. He was anxious to work with the Community. He was also impressed by the coordination and equipment available for the clinic. His goal was to influence the youth to consider sports an opportunity to go outside their Community, go to school, and see the world. 

“When I was young, all I ever wanted was an adult to guide me and tell me how to play, let me know I’m doing good so I hope that I was able to do that here today for these kids and spark more interest in them after today,” said Powell. 

Maurice established BPSC with his brother Ryan Brown and has hosted numerous sports clinics for Community youth focusing on sports fundamentals. Their goal is to support healthy activity for youth through sports. Together they also hope to instill confidence and encourage youth to aspire for higher achievements beyond sports through their mentorship. 

Earlier this year, BPSC hosted three basketball clinics that renowned Native American basketball player Jude Schimmel attended. They plan to continue the partnership with the Tribal Recreation and Wellness to host more sports clinics for youth and applaud the Gila River Indian Community for their continued support.