National Girls & Women in Sports Day celebrates the achievements of female athletes while encouraging girls to participate in sports and build confidence through teamwork, leadership and play. Last Tuesday, that mission came to life in an exciting way for many Euclid Students.
Last week, the Cleveland Browns and CrossCountry Mortgage partnered to host a girls youth flag
football clinic at the Browns Practice Facility, bringing over 150 elementary-aged girls from across Northeast Ohio. Thanks to our partnership with the Browns and the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network, many of the invitees were Euclid girls who had earned their invitation for outstanding attendance or significant improvement in attendance.
Throughout the morning, participants rotated through a variety of football skill stations including passing, catching, route running and agility drills led by Browns and CCM volunteers. In addition to the athletics, the clinic also focused on nutrition, teamwork, leadership and future readiness, helping students see how the lessons learned on the field can translate into success in school and life.
The girls received a special visit from Mary Kate “MK” Beach, assistant coach and defensive coordinator for USA Football’s US Women’s National Team. A gold medalist as both a player and coach, Beach shared her journey in the rapidly growing sport of girls and women’s flag football and inspired students to dream big about their own futures in athletics.
Adding to the experience, a few Browns players were training at the facility during the event, giving the students a behind-the-scenes glimpse of life inside an NFL facility. For many, it was their first time experiencing a professional sports environment up close.
Students also learned about important life skills such as financial literacy, saving and planning for the future. They heard about pathways to college scholarships through athletics and academics, received t-shirts and flag football belts and enjoyed lunch while connecting with positive role models from the Browns and CCM.
Most importantly, the day was filled with smiles, friendship and the powerful message that sports are for everyone. Our Euclid girls left feeling confident, celebrated and excited by what they can accomplish both on and off the field.
We are grateful to the Cleveland Browns and CrossCountry Mortgage for investing in our students and to Lizzie Heidenreich and the Stay in the Game! Network for helping make this opportunity possible. Days like this help remind us how attendance, effort and community can open doors to experiences that inspire our next generation.
