DETROIT – The inaugural Detroit PAL football combine drew about 500 boys and girls in grades one through eight for a day of NFL-style training and skill showcases.
The free event was held on Wednesday (July 16) at The Corner Ballpark from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1680 Michigan Avenue.
Young athletes had the chance to compete in drills such as the vertical jump, broad jump, 40-yard dash, and push-ups.
Participants experienced a taste of professional football training as coaches guided them through each event, preparing them for the upcoming season.
Karen Hall, organizer and operator of the NYFL PAL Football League, said the combine’s goal was to bring kids from across Metro Detroit and Downriver together to compete against their peers at the same grade level.
“We bring kids from all over Metro Detroit, Downriver, to come and compete against their grade levels to see who is the fastest man or woman, who can jump the farthest, who can leap the farthest, and who can do the shuttle hurdle the fastest,” said Hall.
The combine featured drills similar to those used in professional, high school, and college combines, with participants receiving championship belts to add fun and recognition.
Hall said the idea came from seeing talented athletes eager to join leagues but unsure if they had what it takes to reach the pros.
“Our goal was to really just teach them, okay, what is it, do you really have what it takes to go to the NFL, to go to the NBA, to play a pro sport? What is it do you have to do?” she said.
The event aims to prepare young athletes before they enter high school, providing them with a clear understanding of expectations and a profile to track their progress from first grade through college.
Zybeck Sports, which runs the NFL Combine, was brought in to conduct the assessments for the youth participants.
The first session included approximately 200 students from first, second, fifth, and sixth grades.
An afternoon session, expected to triple that number, featured students in seventh, eighth, third, and fourth grades.
Hall thanked sponsors Michigan First, 97.1 The Ticket, and Sam Bernstein for their support.
“We look forward to doing this again next year,” Hall said.
Watch the full interview below: