On Tuesday, players from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ teamed up with Urban Impact to put on a football clinic. This skills camp, blended with life lessons from 29 current players, was held at Oliver Citywide Academy. About 400 kids attended the event on its 15th anniversary.
The entire rookie class of 2016 was in attendance, including 6’1”, 308 lbs. defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. “Just giving back, man,” said Hargrave. “Where I’m from we have nobody like the Pittsburgh Steelers to come back and give back to us.”
We teamed up with Urban Impact Foundation & hit the field with local kids to help build confidence & relationships.https://t.co/obQrdH6qNn
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) June 8, 2016
Along with the rookies, a handful of veterans made appearances, including Maurkice Pouncey, Ramon Foster, Robert Golden, and Mike Mitchell.
The young boys and girls took part in rushing, receiving, blocking, and tackling drills lead by the Steelers. Pittsburgh-native and quarterback Bruce Gradkowski warmed up his arm with the kids, dealing passes and sharing knowledge.
“I think the Steelers do a great job of getting the young guys out in the community,” said Gradkowski. “We all realize that we are really fortunate to be where we’re at, and if we can use that in a positive way to impact the community, that’s huge and it’s rewarding for us.”
Rev. Dr. Ed Glover and his wife Tammy founded the Urban Impact Foundation in 1995, and have been pastoring on the North Shore of Pittsburgh for the last 27 years. Not only is this event about teaching football, community groups are in attendance promoting services, carnival games are there for the younger children, and Glover routinely gives a short presentation.
This is the third community event Steeler players’ have taken part in this summer. On Wednesday, the Steelers’ released their official training camp schedule. July 28th is the official start of camp, with their first public practice the following day.
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Photos: © Pittsburgh Steelers
