LARGO - Julian Cooney wraps his arms around a football and imitates his favorite football player, Mike Alstott.
His legs pump and his arms sway as he carries the football across an imaginary end zone.
Touchdown!
Julian hopes one day to be like Mike. He wants to be a bruising running back in the NFL.
But before Julian grows into that role, he must first grow into his T-shirt.
The 6-year-old Ridgecrest Elementary student wore a small-sized shirt that fit well below his knees while participating in a football clinic at Largo High School on Saturday. The clinic was supposed to be for students ages 9 to 18, but program director Tony Jones let that rule slide when it came to Julian.
After all, the program was about giving everyone a chance.
Jones, a former quarterback at Sarasota Booker High School who went on to play for the Barcelona Dragons in the World Football League and the Tampa Bay Storm, started the clinic four years ago to help others make their dreams and aspirations a reality.
The clinic, part of Largo's outreach program, blends athletic exercise and skill development to build confidence and motivation. More than 120 kids participated in this year's event, which was free.
"I've always wanted to do something with kids, and this has been a great way to stay involved," Jones said.
His outreach program grew out of his understanding of the struggles youngsters face as they try to define themselves, as well as his desire to give back to the community.
Jones said he remembers having a similar camp in Sarasota when he was in school. Some of the instructors included former Tampa Bay Buccaneer stars Doug Williams and Jimmie Giles.
"That was big for me," Jones said. "I can still remember Doug Williams telling me to be calm. I was too excited."
Jones, 39, spearheaded fundraising efforts and got the support of high school coaches in the area to start the clinic. This year, the coaching staffs from Largo, Pinellas Park and Clearwater Central Catholic high schools volunteered. Jones also got former NFL player E.G. Green to participate.
"I miss being around the game, and I was trying to find a way to stay active with kids," Green said. "This was perfect. I wish we had something like this when I was growing up in Fort Walton Beach."
The clinic started with the coaches and Green talking to the participants about setting goals and making wise choices for their futures. Kids then spent the next six hours going from station to station to learn different techniques.
The concept of activities and events allows the participants to showcase their talents, provides them with information, and inspires personal development.
Julian absorbed every lesson.
"I really liked it," Julian said. "I wanted to be out here because I love football."
