NFL football players come to Fallbrook

FALLBROOK – The average person probably wouldn't associate Fallbrook with big-name celebrities. Maybe it's the small-town charm that attracts names like Bill Murray, Jason Mraz, and Tori Spelling, who have frequented and lived in our unique community over the years. Even notable sports personalities like Tony Hawk and Duke Snider have called Fallbrook home.

Now two more big-name athletes can be added to that list after standout NFL Football players Lorenzo Neal and Corey Liuget hosted the Fallbrook football "Skills & Drills Clinic" June 17. Both former Chargers joined more than 150 kids aged 5 through 17 at the no-cost, one day football camp, which included 36 local volunteer youth football coaches.

The event was organized by Fallbrook Pop Warner President, Doug Berger who worked with FHS Varsity Football Head Coach Ross Johnson and Boosters President Stephanie Jones to orchestrate the first ever joint clinic for Pop Warner and FHS football players.

"Because our high school relies on Fallbrook Pop Warner as a feeder program, it is important that both organizations work together and maintain a productive relationship," said Berger during the event. "Having two NFL Football players here to lend their knowledge and experience is a huge bonus to the kids who attended today."

Selected during the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Liuget was picked by the San Diego Chargers and spent the next eight years playing a huge role as one of their key defensive tackles. Meanwhile, Neal developed a reputation as one of the best blocking backs in the NFL. Leading the way for players like Eddie George and LaDainian Tomlinson, Neal made the Pro Bowl four times and has been nominated for the NFL Hall of Fame.

"It's great to see so many young football players working hard and showcasing their talent today" said Liuget, "Attending clinics like these when I was young made a huge impression on my life and football career." Neal said, "I've worked with Doug Berger putting on youth football clinics and camps for many years; it's always a huge benefit to any community when people like Doug and the volunteers here today, work so hard to ensure our kids are given opportunities like this."

Kids were taught basic to advanced football fundamentals during the morning sessions of the clinic and finished out with no-contact, 7 on 7 games in the afternoon. All participants were able to get autographs and pictures taken with the two NFL stars as well.

Berger said he would like "to thank Mark Sorden for putting together the overall game plan for the clinic, as well as Mountain Mike's Pizza for generously donating lunch for all who participated and volunteered."

The Fallbrook High School Football players are currently involved with their annual "Tomahawk" camp and will announce their fall game schedule soon. Meanwhile Fallbrook Pop Warner is still taking registrations for its 10U, 12U and 13U teams, and will begin practice during the first week of August.

To register a child for Pop Warner football or cheer, log onto http://www.fallbrookpopwarner.com.