Eagles Academy for Women takes flight at NovaCare Complex

Over the last eight years the Birds have hosted the Eagles Academy for Women, which helps female fans learn the ins and outs of football.

The two-day event provides fans with tours of the locker room and weight room, as well as classroom lectures from various coaches and players. Participants also work on drills to get some insight into player practices.

This year's camp took place on Saturday and Sunday at the NovaCare Complex.

In the first part of the morning, the participants were split into two big groups and then split again into 10-12 teams. One group stayed in the auditorium while the other went outside for drills.

Inside the auditorium, long snapper Jon Dorenbos gave an entertaining and informative session about his position as well as the others on the special teams unit.

Dorenbos broke down different plays on film from various games last season, pointing out the responsibilities of each player on special teams.

The long snapper also brought up different participants attending the academy to demonstrate certain blocks or plays to give everyone a better idea of how they get executed on the field.

Former Eagles offensive lineman Tra Thomas and defensive quality control coach Michael Clay also broke down film on both sides of the ball, explaining different positions and where each player lined up based on different plays. Their segments finished up with a question and answer session, and then the group was escorted to the cafeteria for lunch.

Next came the drills outside with some of the players and a few Eagles employees.

Former Eagles quarterback A.J. Feeley did passing and receiving drills. Defensive end Cedric Thornton worked on some obstacles that focused on footwork and receiving. And other receiving and defensive drills were run by some Eagles employees.

The instructors also answered questions, signed autographs, and took pictures with the fans throughout the day.

As the academy's participants were leaving the NovaCare Complex, they received a LeSean McCoy poster and a small black wristlet, which - with the new rules at Lincoln Financial Field - is approved to bring into the stadium.

Between the lectures from players and coaching staff and the drills outside, the fans were able to get an accurate sense of how the game of football is played and how players prepare for each game.