ARLINGTON, Texas – The Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, in partnership with the Arlington Police Department, sponsored 114 girls and boys to participate in the Dallas Cowboys Football and Dance Academies youth camps held July 14-15 at AT&T Stadium.

The Dallas Cowboys Football Academy youth camp for athletes of all skill levels from first to eighth grade offered individualized on-field coaching from former NFL players and lessons in teamwork, dedication and character from current Dallas Cowboys players. The Dallas Cowboys Dance Academy youth camp for dancers of all skill levels from age six to 16 offered a fun and interactive environment and emphasized the importance of positive self-esteem and strong core values through personalized coaching from current Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

The Cotton Bowl Classic and Arlington Police Department teamed up to identify Arlington-area youth to attend this summer camp opportunity on the Cowboys' home turf. APD officers were on hand to help distribute backpacks loaded with essential school schools for the upcoming year. Also on hand lending a hand was Luka, one of the Arlington Police Department K9 Unit dogs purchased from funds the Cotton Bowl Foundation collected during its 2021 North Texas Giving Day campaign.

"The Arlington Police Department, like the Cotton Bowl Classic, recognizes that our success relies heavily on the support and partnership of the Arlington community," said Sgt. Vince Pewitt, APD Crime Prevention Unit Supervisor. "It's why we're incredibly eager to give back to our community in any way we can. Investing in our youth and ensuring they have the supplies they need to be successful during the upcoming school year is a great way to build community trust and to pay dividends for Arlington's future. We're blessed to have outstanding community partners like the Cotton Bowl Classic to make events like this possible."

This marked the third year that the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic sponsored girls and boys to participate in these Cowboys youth camps in lieu of hosting its own youth football clinic. The Classic held youth clinics for eight years before the pandemic caused the 2020 clinic to be canceled.

The 88th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic is set for Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN and ESPN Radio.

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