Football 101 offered at Notre Dame

Published 6:37 pm Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly and his wife Paqui will co-host the third Football 101 class at Notre Dame June 12. (Daily News Photo/File)

NOTRE DAME — The Kelly Cares Foundation, a charity founded by University of Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly and his wife, Paqui, will co-host the third edition of the highly touted Football 101 from 5-10 p.m. June 12 on the University of Notre Dame campus.

Title sponsors are Adidas, Meijer and Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, with supporting sponsors Boling Vision Center, Notre Dame Federal Credit Union and ABC 57.

Football 101, which has sold out the previous two years, gives women at least 21 years old a tutorial session on football basics, an opportunity to meet the Notre Dame football coaching staff, learn Fighting Irish football trivia and enjoy an upscale taste of area restaurants. Participants also get a behind-the-scenes look at the Guglielmino Athletics Complex (football headquarters) and LaBar Practice Complex (football practice fields).

Following check-in near the Guglielmino Athletics Complex (affectionately known as The Gug – pronounced GOOG), a reception will occur at the LaBar Practice Complex, located across the street from the Gug. Drinks and appetizers will be provided by some of Michiana’s top restaurants, plus patrons will be able to meet Notre Dame’s coaching staff and browse through items for the evening’s raffle.

After the reception, participants will be split into groups and travel from station to station. The Fighting Irish coaching staff will teach the basics of football form and technique, including passing, catching and kicking footballs, on the LaBar practice fields.

Inside the Gug’s football meeting rooms, other members of the coaching staff will teach the fundamental Xs and Os of the game, helping participants learn concepts such as how missed blocks and route-running can make the difference between a sack and a touchdown. The evening concludes with the entertaining fashion show of athletic gear and football equipment with a special guest serving as master of ceremonies.

Proceeds from Football 101 benefit breast cancer prevention, awareness and early detection initiatives chosen by Kelly Cares Foundation. Registration must be completed prior to the event and is limited to 600 participants. To sign up, visit www.KellyCaresFoundation.org. Admission is $128 per person. Paid registration includes admission to all activities and a souvenir Adidas Notre Dame football jersey.

There will also be a wonderful line up of raffle prizes, including a 32-inch flat screen TV, airline vouchers, free month-long gym memberships, Chicago Cubs and White Sox tickets, restaurant gift cards plus many more items. Be sure to visit the Kelly Cares website often and watch the list of items increase as they reach the goal of 101 raffle items.  Raffle tickets will be available for purchase both on line in advance of the event as well as during registration, day of event.

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and workout attire.

The highly anticipated 2012 Football 101 is expected to once again sell out, so women interested in attending are encouraged to sign up soon.