Davie, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today hosted the LaBelle High School football team at training camp practice. The team was given a tour of the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University and heard from Miami Dolphins Youth Programs Ambassador and Dolphins alum Twan Russell about perseverance and teamwork. The LaBelle football team also had the opportunity to watch the Dolphins practice and meet with current players on the field. Following practice, the athletes had lunch provided by Publix.
"What a great experience. This is our hometown team. We're two hours away and the Miami Dolphins are our team," LaBelle High School Head Football Coach Chris Siner said. "For them to invite us out here and incorporate us into the practice and into the facility and the players coming over giving our guys fist bumps, that's just a great experience for guys that maybe would never even get to see a game."
Photo gallery: Dolphins host LaBelle High School at training camp.
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.