Arizona Cardinals Host Football Clinic for GRIC Youth

January 20, 2023

Emma Hughes

Community Newsperson

The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee and Arizona Cardinals, in partnership with the Gila River Indian Community, hosted a football clinic for youth ages 5-16 on Jan. 14.

Over 50 youth participated in warm-ups, practice drills, flag football and teamwork training with Arizona Cardinals staff, volunteers and NFL alumni Matt Ware and Hamza Abdullah at the Gila Crossing Community School. 

This clinic was the second held for GRIC youth in January. The first was on Jan. 8 at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, where over 100 GRIC youth attended.

“The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee is focused on the positive community impact of Super Bowl LVII—specifically the health and well-being of Arizona youth,” said Leslie Miller, director of communications for the Host Committee.

Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis and Miss Gila River Kelsey Martinez, who assisted with the event, were presented with an autographed Cardinals football.

Both thanked the kids for coming out and enduring the chilly weather that made for a memorable experience.

Angelita Moya, 7, said she had lots of fun and enjoyed the flag football portion of the event. 

Arizona Super Bowl mascot “Spike” and Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders and mascot “Big Red” joined in on the fun, cheering on youth during the event, followed by pizza for lunch and a Q&A session with Abdullah and Ware.

Overall, families and youth appreciated getting out, being active and learning teamwork and sportsmanship.

Miller, the Host Committee representative, said the clinics are vital in helping the boys and girls from GRIC meet the NFL alums, engage in fun no-contact football activities and make unforgettable Super Bowl memories.