Home > Events > Annual Fundraising Events
Since June 1999, members of the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center development staff, and the
Wolverine football coaching staff have worked together to organize an annual Women's Football Academy.
The Academy originated as the primary fund-raiser for the Coach Carr Cancer Fund, an endowment fund established
by Lloyd and Laurie Carr in 1998, which supported patient care and wellness programs in the Cancer Center.
The Academy has another purpose as well: to educate women about the positive aspects of the game of football;
teamwork, a good work ethic, sportsmanship, leadership and responsibility. Since its inception, over 500 women
have attended the Academy each year.
Rich Rodriguez, Head Coach
The Academy begins with early morning registration followed by a welcome and introduction of representatives
from the Cancer Center and football coaching staff. The participants are then divided into 10 groups of
approximately 40-50 per group. For the next couple of hours, the participants learn drills, position instruction,
offense, defense and special team strategy sessions with the U-M football staff. After these sessions are
completed, the groups break for lunch. Finally, there are rotational scrimmages where the participants have
an opportunity to display their newly acquired skills!
In 2007, the Academy raised over $170,000 bringing the total of funds raised for the endowment to over $900,000.
As we continue to partner in this endeavor, proceeds from the Women's Football Academy will support initiatives
within the Patient and Family Support Services Program.
We are deeply appreciative of the partnership between the Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Athletic
Department. Indeed, this collaboration has helped to provide essential resources to cancer patients and
their families. Cancer is a journey. Every year, thousands of cancer patients and their families put
their trust in the Cancer Center when they ask us to join them on their journey; a journey that impacts
all aspects of life, from physical and spiritual, to economic and emotional. Together, we rise to the
challenge each day through an array of programs and services that focus on patients and families first.
Just as football teaches teamwork to the student athlete, the Cancer Center team treats the whole patient
and the whole family.
To register for the 2008 Women's Football Academy, please
click here and join the greater Michigan Team!
Return to top
