April 15, 2013
THE FLATS – More than 100 Georgia Tech students originally from countries unfamiliar with American football will learn the basics of the game from Yellow Jacket head coach Paul Johnson and his players Thursday afternoon at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Tech’s International Football Clinic, scheduled from 4-6 p.m. and sponsored by the student government association, will begin with a welcome and introduction by Johnson in the football team meeting room. Later, the international students will have the opportunity to run through the tunnel on to Grant Field, paced by the Rambling Wreck.
Students will rotate between eight on-field stations and go through drills supervised by Tech’s coaches and players. Following the clinic, students will enjoy a barbecue and social with the players and coaches.
The idea for the international clinic was borrowed from Rice University, which put on a successful event last year.
“The goal of the clinic is to help the international students understand the game of football a little better,” Johnson said. “American Football is not as popular in other countries so we are trying to make their experience as a Georgia Tech student even better with the hopes of encouraging them to come out to games next fall and the years to come.”
The clinic is limited only to international students, who can sign-up for the clinic here.
“We want the students to have a great time with us,” Johnson added. “We want to provide them with the best experience we can give in hopes that they leave the event having not only had a great time, but also that they learned something new about football.
“Most of them are a long way from home and spend a great deal of time here just focusing on studies. I think if they become fans of our sport, it will enhance their college experience, give them a break from the school work and make them feel more comfortable being that far away from their families.”
Approximately 4,000 Georgia Tech students, including nearly 2,700 undergraduates, are from outside the United States.
Both the student government association and the Reck Club, along with the Athletic Association’s marketing department, have been instrumental in putting the clinic together.
