You’ve been to the Bright House Networks Stadium. You’ve adorned the black and gold. You were even tossed in the air for each point scored. But did you really understand the game?
Football seems to have two different effects on women – it can either excite us or perplex us. Some women are hardcore football fans. Others dread the moments when they are forced to watch ESPN with their men. Either way, our beloved university offers a remedy for all.
Head coach George O’Leary and his coaching staff hosted the UCF Ladies Football Clinic on Thursday, June 6th. Sponsored by the Orlando Sentinel, this event was open to ladies 18 years and older. Its purpose was to teach the “ins and outs” of football from a player’s perspective. Over one hundred women of all ages showed up ready to punt and play.
“It was created to embrace the community.” Kristy Beldon, director of player development, said. “Some of the females are our biggest fans!”
Snacks and refreshments were offered at the beginning of the evening. Interactive seminars followed, given by both the offensive and defensive coordinators. This was where the ladies learned the “textbook” portion of football – how plays are made, why they are made, and how they are signaled. Various UCF giveaways were won throughout the class.
It wasn’t long before the classroom transitioned to the field as the ladies embraced themselves for the physical portion of the clinic. Everyone broke off into groups at six stations – punt returns, bag drills, passing drills, L drills, lateral shuttles and field goals. UCF football players were available to demonstrate and help.
What is a sporting event though, without a little friendly competition? Motivated by tickets for Universal Studios and sideline passes for the UCF vs South Carolina and UCF vs USF games, the ladies competed against each other for longest throws and punt return catches. The winner was determined by a process of elimination. Despite the competitiveness, the ladies cheered each other on with the same sense of camaraderie that defined the entire evening.
One lesson learned throughout this clinic – there is definitely a difference between knowing how to watch football and knowing how to play it. Even the ladies who had already loved the sport went home with something new, but that’s not all they went home with. Everyone received a t-shirt and a gift bag to commemorate the experience.
“I loved it!” said Bri Macnaught, participant and UCF Student. “It was very interactive and a fun way to teach women the fundamentals of football! I would recommend it to any lady looking to learn a little more.”
The turnout was a huge success. UCF Athletics and the Orlando Sentinel plan to host the event for many years to come. Be on the lookout for the UCF Ladies Football Clinic 2014! You might even become better than your man.