Jaguars News | Jacksonville Jaguars - jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -The start of football season is here, and not just for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but for thousands of student-athletes across the First Coast. For the entire month of August, the Jaguars will celebrate Play Football Month, an NFL-wide recognition of youth and high school football athletes, by providing free tickets, camps and unique recognition opportunities to kids across the area.

"Our Jaguars Prep programming is a pillar of our community impact efforts, and we're thrilled to put the spotlight on these young athletes this month," said Whitney Meyer, Jaguars senior vice president and chief community impact officer. "We wish all the teams kicking off their season the best of luck!"

The Jaguars kicked off Play Football Month on Monday with the Jaguars Prep and Baker's Sports High School Media Day. More than 450 coaches and athletes representing 60 schools in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia were on hand to meet with regional media and talk about expectations for the coming season.

The Jaguars have also donated 7,000 game tickets to local youth football teams for the upcoming preseason matchups against the Cleveland Browns (August 12) and Pittsburgh Steelers (August 20). During both games, youth and high school players will welcome the team on the field, compete in halftime competitions and hold the flag during the national anthem. Outstanding coaches and administrators will also be recognized throughout each game for their contributions to football on the First Coast.

On August 14, Jaguars Prep will host the Learn to Be Legends youth football camp for 225 girls from the Girls Power NFL Flag League. Jaguars Legends will teach the girls football fundamentals and techniques to help improve their game.

The Jaguars and Action Sports Jax, the official stations of the team, will continue to celebrate the Game of the Week, Coach of the Week and Player of the Week on Friday Night Blitz starting August 26 when Bradford High School visits Baker County High School. The Coach of the Week will continue to receive a $1,500 grant towards his or her school's athletic program.

Jaguars Prep is committed to growing the game of football throughout Northeast Florida by removing barriers of accessibility, encouraging health and safety, building strong character among participants and enhancing opportunities and resources for youth and high school football athletes.