Jul 23, 2019Chargers, Rams provide funding for ATs at local high schools
The NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams have announced a two-year commitment to provide full-time and part-time certified athletic trainers high schools in their areas.
The organization’s donated $200,000 over two years to West Coast Sports Medicine Foundation and Team HEAL. The NFL matched the donation to provide an additional $100,000.
Team athletic trainers presented the check at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, California. They spoke to the students about their careers and how athletic training is applicable to life in and out of sports.
From The Orange County Register:
“A grant like this helps all of the high schools around the surrounding area,” said Damon Mitchell, the Chargers’ head athletic trainer. “A certified athletic trainer has the education to understand an injury and understands how to get that specific athlete on the field, on the court, on the floor.”
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Rams head athletic trainer Reggie Scott and former Pro Bowl cornerback LeRoy Irvin also spoke to the students. Irvin, who played for the Rams from 1980-89, urged students to be knowledgeable about injuries and be willing to tell players that they are too hurt to play.
“As the trainers, you have to have the willpower and fortitude and knowledge to be able to know when a player can go and when he can’t,” Irvin said.
Read more from The Orange County Register.