More than 200 women will learn the secrets of Michigan football through drills on offense, defense, passing, blocking and kicking at the 12th annual Women’s Football Academy on June 12. U-M football coach Rich Rodriguez and his staff volunteer their time for this hands-on experience that raises money for the Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The event benefits the center’s Patient and Family Support Services, which includes programs such as complementary therapies, nutrition counseling, psych oncology services and fertility counseling. The services are supported completely by private donations.
A participant in a previous Women’s Football Academy takes part in a blocking drill. Photo by Daryl Marshke, Wolverine Photo.
U-M alumna and avid football fan Dottie Symons, who has been a participant each year since the event began in 1999, says the event is a combination of two things — raising money for a good cause and celebrating football.
“In the beginning, I was really excited about the football aspect but as the years have gone on, fundraising has become really important,” she says. “Women who are football fans want to attend (the event), so it’s a success.”
Participants assemble into 10 groups and rotate between different positions on the field to learn what it’s like to be a football player. Coaching staff and several players sign autographs during lunch after the training sessions. In the afternoon, the groups scrimmage against each other using their newly learned skills.
“For those who like to collect autographs, it’s a great opportunity to get the ‘real thing’ in person,” Symons says. “Women who participate will be able to gloat to their husbands, boyfriends and dads about these experiences, including practicing in the new Al Glick Fieldhouse — something very few of those guys will be able to say they’ve done.”
Debra Griffith, director of development at the Comprehensive Cancer Center, says it’s an exclusive opportunity for women to expand their understanding and learn more about football from talented coaches.
Registration for the event is $100, $25 of which is tax deductible. In addition, participants are asked to raise an additional $100 or more to support the Comprehensive Cancer Center.
To register for the event, go to www.mcancer.org/wfa. Availability is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact Doreen McGuire at 734-998-6895 or [email protected].
