The Houston Texans announced the launch of their local Heads Up Football initiative, a comprehensive youth football membership program designed to further strengthen youth player safety, at a news conference on Wednesday at the Methodist Training Center.
Texans President Jamey Rootes, USA Football Regional Manager Matt DeLuzio and Cypress Creek High School Head Coach Greg McCaig made the joint announcement as Texans center Ben Jones and youngsters from the Houston Texans YMCA attended.
The launch includes a free coaches summit that will take place Saturday, July 20, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Methodist Training Center. The event is designed to educate coaches on the key components of the Heads Up Football Safety Philosophy. Coaches will learn about the process to become a Player Safety Coach and will be given the opportunity to apply for a grant up to $2,500 to help make their teams and leagues safer and better. Leagues may apply for a grant up to $10,000.
"As an organization our goal is to be involved in the game of football from peewee to the pros and everything in between," Rootes said. "This is another opportunity for us to improve the game through Heads Up Football. A number of leagues throughout the city are going to have the opportunity for their coaches to go through the Heads Up Football training, all about concussion awareness, about equipment fitting, and, importantly, about playing the game correctly."
Following the press conference, Jones ran drills with youth football players, concentrating on proper technique and, most of all, safety.
To register for the Heads Up Football Coaches Summit, click here.
