July 27, 2010
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Football Monogram winners Kris Haines `79, Scott Kowalkowski `91 and Patrick Steenberge `73 took their talents to the Adriatic Coast this past week, assisting with a youth football clinic in Trieste, Italy from July 22-24.
The clinic, run by the Italian American Football Federation and organizer Riccardo Lonzar, brought together 140 teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 to teach them basic American football fundamentals.
Haines and Kowalkowski were invited to the clinic by Steenberge, who is the president of the Global Football Group and an expert at promoting American football overseas.
Kowalkowski had previously worked at the clinic, as his cousin, Brock Olivo, is the head coach of the Italian National Team. Steenberge was thrilled that Kowalkowski returned for another year.
“Scott has lots of experience with winning teams, being a member of the 1988 Notre Dame National Championship team and a long-time NFL player,” Steenberge said. “He does an excellent job of helping Italian youngsters relate their goals to football.”
Haines made his first appearance at the camp this summer and made an immediate impact with the participants.
“It was great to have Kris with us this year,” Steenberge said. “Chris was always energetic and enthusiastic with the kids. His energy is contagious.”
In addition to assisting with the clinic, Steenberge annually produces a game in Trieste between a NCAA Division III football team and an Italian team, sponsored by Global Football. The youth football clinic, now in its sixth season, is run annually during Steenberge’s “American Bowl.”
Global Football is part of the Global Sports Group, a sports special events and international travel organization providing the opportunity for young amateur athletes from different countries to compete against one another, while experiencing and learning first-hand about each other’s cultures.