Davie, Fla. –The Miami Dolphins today hosted the Miami Central Senior High School football team and Palmetto Raiders and Tamiami Bandits of Greater Miami Pop Warner at training camp practice. The teams were given a tour of the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University and heard from Miami Dolphins alum Troy Drayton about the importance of education.
The teams also had the opportunity to watch the Dolphins practice, meet with current players on the field and had lunch provided by Publix. Following practice, the Palmetto Raiders and Tamiami Bandits scrimmaged on the Dolphins' field.
"I thought this was an excellent opportunity for our team to come out here and see how the pros work, so when we get back home and practice, we'll know how to work," Miami Central High School Head Football Coach Roland Smith said.
"It was a great experience seeing how the pros work and how we have to continue to work hard," Miami Central High School wide receiver Anthony Frederick said. "I watched how the receivers work, their technique and I liked to see how they worked with the quarterbacks."
"It feels good for the Dolphins to bring us out here, because most kids aren't used to this," Palmetto Raiders Head Football Coach Travis Terry said. "It means a lot for Troy Drayton to talk to the kids, because it shows them how to be responsible, go to school and get your education and work hard at everything you're trying to do."
"Today was awesome and the Dolphins were nice enough to have us here. We also heard from Troy Drayton and how he got to where he's at now, because of football," Tamiami Bandits Head Football Coach Luis Jaramillo said.
In September 2017, Miami Dolphins players provided support for lodging and transportation to Miami Central when the football team was displaced by Hurricane Irma after competing in Las Vegas.
"We wouldn't have been able to get out of Las Vegas last year without the help of the Miami Dolphins," Smith said. "We were thankful for them to help out and donate some money to help us get back and stay in a hotel, because we didn't have any funds to pay for our rooms. They did a tremendous job. We want to thank them for stepping up and getting us back to Miami safely."
As part of the Miami Dolphins' commitment to the development of high school and youth football, the team will host 27 high school and youth teams from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties at the team's training camp practices. The team visits, initiated by Dolphins Head Coach Adam Gase, are a targeted effort to recognize, inspire and increase football participation through personal connections centered on the positive character building aspects of playing the game.
The Junior Dolphins program encourages youth players and coaches to teach, learn and play football in a fun and safe environment. The Junior Dolphins program is designed to give kids access to learn the fundamentals of football using the NFL's top resources. To grow the game, the Junior Dolphins program will work to educate coaches, parents and youth on the health and safety of football with a strong emphasis on character development. Junior Dolphins is building the next generation of Dolphins Fans.
