Mike Ridaught
This Saturday, the All Pro Dad Experience returns to the University of Florida for the first time in six years.
The one-day event is targeted to inspire stronger family connections, continue a legacy of connecting dads and kids, and it features UF football coach Billy Napier.
“We are thrilled to be back at the University of Florida, Florida’s flagship university, for the first time since 2017,” said Jason Hood, director of All Pro Dad Chapters. “As a Florida-based organization, it means so much to have the support of the Gator community.
“Bringing the All Pro Dad Experience to the University of Florida opens the door for dads and kids to have fun on a campus near and dear to their hearts, while deepening their own relationships with one another. It’s incredible to watch kids enjoy playing games in the practice facility where some of their favorite players have played in, all while being there with their favorite person – their dad.”
The event is from 9 a.m. until noon at the Sanders Indoor Facility, where the Gators practice.
Due to NCAA regulations, only children ages zero through 12 and/or up to eighth grade are permitted to participate in this event. The cost is $25 per family.
Napier will share helpful parenting tips while dads and their kids bond through on-field activities, football drills, interactive games and more.
“When presented with the opportunity to be associated with All Pro Dad and their mission, it was a no-brainer,” Napier said. “I really believe in the impact of family, and I believe in the impact that we have as fathers. For me, certainly in a very competitive arena and relative to my career, I’m always trying to allocate my time to be more effective, to provide better leadership and to be a better example.
“This All Pro Dad day will present that opportunity. I’m excited about what I’m going to learn, and I’m excited to represent our entire organization by being there.”
The event is hosted by Tampa-based Family First, a national nonprofit founded by former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy.
“We are thrilled for Gainesville-area fathers and kids to join us on the Florida Gators’ practice field for this year’s All Pro Dad Experience,” said Mark Merrill, president of Family First and co-founder of All Pro Dad Experience. “Since 2004, these events have fostered a stronger relationship between dads and their children. This event will not only be fun, but it will help men step into their responsibilities as a dad and build a deeper connection with their kids.”
Hood said that during his three years as director, he has seen the chapter program expand nationally with 354 active chapters in the state of Florida, alone.
“These chapter programs encourage dads to come together at their kids’ schools for an event once a month,” he said. “By showing up, dads are signaling to their kids that they care about them and their education, which is pivotal in strengthening their relationships. The program aims to provide resources, training and events to help fathers as they raise their children for a healthy and hopeful future. It has been a privilege to lead this program, and I am eager to see the continued growth and impact in the individual lives of dads and kids across the country. We’d love to see more dads start chapters in their schools.”
They can learn how at https://www.allprodad.com/chapters.
All Pro Dad provides resources, training and events to help fathers as they raise their children for a healthy and hopeful future.
The Florida Department of Education is partnering with the nonprofit in an effort to promote literacy across the state.
According to the Gainesville APDE release, in addition to interactive games and relationship-building exercises, like the touchdown dance, pride moment and football drills, new experiences will be provided by Tyson, with the inclusion of the ‘Sam’s Club Dad Zone,’ an interactive game station for families to enjoy at the event including field goal challenge, quarterback toss, strength showdown and more.
For more information on the 2023 All Pro Dad Experience in Gainesville, visit https://www.allprodad.com/Gainesville-all-pro-dad-experience/.
