ABOVE VIDEO:“I Got Skillz” coordinator Mike Cadore is a legend at Titusville High School where he was a member of the 1982 and 1983 football state champions, amassing 1,573 all-purpose yards in his senior year with 14 touchdowns, a conference-leading 10.4 yards per carry, 23 yards per reception and a 23.6 yards average per kick-off return. Going both ways, he also had 20 tackles and two interceptions.
BREVARD COUNTY • ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA — The 16th Annual NFL Play 60 USA FUNdamentals was held on Saturday, July 19 at McKnight Family Sports complex located at 890 Cogswell Street.
Mike Cadore presented the 16th Annual NFL Play 60 USA FUNdamentals was held on Saturday, July 19 at McKnight Family Sports complex located at 890 Cogswell Street. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)
The free clinic was conducted by former NFL, college and local high school all-stars.
The “I Got Skillz” football clinic featured approximately 150 children ages 5 to 15, who learned football fundamentals, life skills, education, sportsmanship and teamwork.
This year’s theme was “Training Day.”
Other than former football all-stars, many of the coaches are now serving in the field of public safety, education or the military.
(Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com) Carl Putnam (Wearing black shirt and black pants in bottom image) instructs campers.The “I Got Skillz” football clinic featured approximately 150 children ages 5 to 15, who learned football fundamentals, life skills, education, sportsmanship and teamwork. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)Eight-year-old Joshua Brown opens camp with a prayer. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)
CURRENT PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATOR AT EASTERN FLORIDA
“I Got Skillz” coordinator Michael Cadore is currently the Public Safety Coordinator for the Public Safety Institute at Eastern Florida State College and an adjunct instructor in Success Life Skills, and a reserve police officer for the Rockledge Police Department.
The event was coordinated by Cadore, a former professional football player, who also serves as an Ambassador for Rockledge youth league where he has faithfully volunteered for the past 17 years.
Michael Cadore
“As a public servant, educator, citizen and more importantly a parent, it is essential that we show our youth the right way,” said Cadore.
“No we don’t have all the right answers, but actions speak louder than words!
“I am so humbled to see the out poor of previous football athletes who are serving our country as well as working in the field of Law Enforcement, Fire, Corrections and EMT; many of which who played here locally in Brevard.”
Danny Copeland (Fanbase.com image)
Former Washington Redskins player Danny Copeland said the camp gives him a unique opportunity to positively impact the lives of local youth.
“I love it because its a great opportunity year in and year out to transfer winning traits from seasoned to youth,” Copeland said. “It’s a whole lot bigger than the game. The game is simply a meeting place that we can teach and practice life principles.”
Coach Chris Young, a graduate of Rockledge High School and former Arena Football Player said:
“It’s an opportunity to give back and be around something I love to do,”said Maurice Young, a Rockledge High School Graduate who played in in the Arena Football League. “It’s been good to see something on the rise you get to see the kids from flag football all the way up to their senior year. You see how much they improve in football. When you have a hand in their development, it’s nice to watch these kids grow.”
“Partnering with the NFL, the FUNdamentals format introduces children to football by teaching basic skills in a FUN and energetic environment through a series of drills to show passing, catching and running skills in a non-contact setting,” said Cadore.
“The twist is we spend a few moments talking to the kids about life choices, education, health and our profession. Finally, we must keep in mind, if we don’t serve our community now, don’t expect your community to serve you later.”
Chris Davis, an NFL alumni who went on to serve in the FBI, returned to coach youth at the camp.
“As a former collegiate and NFL player, the opportunity to impart my knowledge and experience of football techniques and tactics to young student-athletes is extremely rewarding. We all share a responsibility to “give back,” Davis said.
“The reciprocal benefits offered through the ‘I Got Skillz’ Football Clinic are tremendous.
The greatest takeaway for me as a coach is being able to watch these wonderful young people grow and prosper into something more than just athletically-talented individuals.
The lessons they are learning through this football experience continue to develop their inner greatness as family members, as friends, as neighbors, as students, as citizens and as future leaders. Through this camp, these young champions understand more so now than ever before, that sports is a huge part of who they are, but it is not what defines them! This is the reason why I keep coming back!”
Carl Putman, Program Director for Parisi Speed School XPC and Physical Training Instructor for the Public Safety Institute at Eastern Florida State College said:
“I was honored and excited to work with our area’s young athletes at the I Got Skillz Camp,” Putnam said.
“At Parisi Speed School, our mission is to empower our youth through education based training and performance, and it is an incredible opportunity any time we can help young athletes increase their confidence and get closer to their goals.
“In addition, as an instructor for Public Safety Institute at Eastern Florida State College, it is great to see community involvement to teach safety, fitness, sport and like skills. The camp is a great event for our community to develop quality role models and build our next generation of leaders, and as an instructor for the Parisi Speed School the EFSC Public Safety Institute it is an honor to help give back.”
Cadore expressed his thanks the camp’s sponsors:
NFL & USA Football USA
Magnus Solutions
Parisi Speed Clinic of Melbourne
Entemanns Bakery of Rockledge
PNC Bank of Rockledge
Brevard County Parks & Recreation
Sponsors included Entemann’s Bakery Rockledge branch and PNC Bank. PNC Camp Sponsor Marcus Haley is pictured in the front row, to the left of the PNC Bank banner.
CLICK HERE OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 321-302-3238
BELOW MAP: The “I Got Skillz” football clinic will be held at the McKnight Family Sports complex located at 890 Cogswell Street and will feature approximately 150 children ages 5 to 15, who will be taught football fundamentals, life skills, education, sportsmanship and teamwork.
“Partnering with the NFL, the FUNdamentals format introduces children to football by teaching basic skills in a FUN and energetic environment through a series of drills to show passing, catching and running skills in a non-contact setting,” said Cadore.
“As a former collegiate and NFL player, the opportunity to impart my knowledge and experience of football techniques and tactics to young student-athletes is extremely rewarding. We all share a responsibility to “give back,” Davis said.
“I was honored and excited to work with our area’s young athletes at the I Got Skillz Camp,” Putnam said.
