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U-M head football coach to lead June 13 Women's Football Academy

Ann Arbor - Every Saturday during football season, Michigan fans come to Ann Arbor ready to hail to the victors and support the Wolverines. On Saturday, June 13, 500 women will get their own moment on the field when University of Michigan head football coach Rich Rodriguez and the U-M coaching staff donate their time for the annual UWomen's Football Academy.

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Spots are still available for the popular event. Registration is on a first come, first served basis.

The Women's Football Academy, in its 11th year, gives women the opportunity to come out to learn about the rules of football from the coaches of the leaders and the best. This event serves as the signature fund-raising event for the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center and took shape when former U-M football coach Lloyd Carr and his wife, Laurie, created the Coach Carr Cancer Fund to join in the fight against cancer and support cancer patients and their families.

This year Coach Rodriguez continues to focus on cancer patients and families by providing participants a behind-the-scenes experience and an opportunity to ask questions. Participants will receive instructional information, tips on different drills, as well as lessons on how to block, pass and kick.

Every year, the Women's Football Academy sets out to raise awareness about a disease that affects many. In an effort to get the local community involved, the Women's Football Academy provides women with an educational experience and a chance to give back and support patients with cancer.

"Many participants are cancer survivors or have family members with cancer. There is a lot of laughing and smiling and feeling good about how the participants are spending their day as well as a tremendous commitment from the U-M coaching staff. Everyone gets involved and gets a chance to give back. It's a terrific day all around," says Debra Griffith, director of Development at the U-M Cancer Center.

The 2009 Women's Football Academy will support initiatives within the Cancer Center's Patient and Family Support Services Program.

For more information, contact Dorian Morris at 734-998-6886.

Written by Jessica Brown

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