COURTESY PHOTO
Patriots player Brandon King demonstrates a drill at last year’s All American Fundamental Showcase at Manning Field.
By HAROLD RIVERA
NFL agent and Salem native Sean Stellato has always prided himself in giving back to the community. On July 23, he’ll bring a handful of his NFL clients to Lynn for his 10th annual “All American Fundamental Showcase,” which will be hosted at Manning Field.
The showcase serves as a football clinic for kids from ages six to 18. Participants will be coached and evaluated in football fundamentals such as the 40-yard dash, the 20-yard shuttle, three-cone drill, broad jump and positional drills.
“This is for kids looking to develop skills, be inspired and develop techniques,” Stellato said. “We try to make it like Disney World for the kids for the day. You don’t have to be the best football player in the world. It’s a great opportunity for kids, especially those from Lynn.”
Among those attending the showcase are NFL stars Brandon King of the New England Patriots, Stephen Evans of the Philadelphia Eagles, Chris Manhertz of the Carolina Panthers and Joe Vellano of the Atlanta Falcons. Brian Flores, linebackers coach for the Patriots, and former New England running back Patrick Pass will also be in attendance.
“It’s an ultra special day,” Stellato said. “I hope kids come out of this educated and inspired. There’s a lot of talent and pedigree that comes through here. Some kids might not have the confidence. If they really want something, they should go out and do it.”
Participants will also have the neat opportunity to interact one-on-one with the coaches and players while absorbing tips and pointers from them. That, Stellato added, is what makes July’s clinic at Manning a unique event.
“The guys really work out with the kids,” Stellato said. “You don’t see that at some of the other camps. At a lot of these other camps, the players walk around and snap a photo with the kids and that’s it.”
Stellato, who starred for the football team at Salem High as a quarterback, knows firsthand that the talent on the gridiron has always been at a high level across the North Shore.
“There’s a ton of football talent on the North Shore,” Stellato said. “A lot of the programs have always competed, with solid teams. I think there are definitely kids that are very talented and plenty of kids that can play outside of this area.”
Although the clinic makes for a special event for the young talents hoping to develop their skills, the NFL players who do the coaching also get an enjoyable experience out of it. Many of them were once in the shoes of those who have attended Stellato’s showcase throughout the past ten years.
“A lot of these guys were there,” Stellato said. “They were one of these kids in attendance, with big dreams. The odds of playing or coaching in the NFL aren’t high but it’s possible. This really touches the players and uplifts them. They enjoy helping the kids develop.”
Stellato added, “This is a special time to be a Massachusetts football player, with these kids growing up through the Patriots dynasty. I just really want these kids to be inspired and dream big.”
Online registration for the event has already began and forms can be found on Stellato’s website, seanstellato.com, under the “Upcoming Events” tab. Registration will also take place on the day of the showcase, at 8 a.m. The showcase itself kicks off at 9 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. Price discounts are available for Lynn residents.
“It’s going to be an uplifting day,” Stellato said. “Part of being a pro is giving back, being able to educate and inspire the next generation.”
“The kids can expect a very uplifting day,” Stellato added. “A ton of coaching, they’ll compete, work hard, develop mentally and physically and it’s a going to be a moving day for them.”