Charlie Ward is all about pouring into Tallahassee and Big Bend.

So, on Saturday, June 14, the newly appointed Florida A&M head men’s basketball coach will host his fourth annual Father’s Day Leadership Basketball Clinic through the Charlie and Tonja Ward Family Foundation.

Ward’s Father’s Day Leadership Basketball Clinic is at the Al Lawson Center on FAMU’s campus, with the time set for 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The one-day clinic will feature basketball drills and motivational talks for fathers, male mentors, and youth ages 7-18 to “share the fun of working together and forming a unique bond that will last for a lifetime.”

“It’s essentially just a great opportunity for fathers and mentors and their mentee or kids to come out, have a fun day, create memories, and spend some time together around a time when we celebrate the fathers and the mentors that have made a big impact on the young people,” Ward told the Tallahassee Democrat.

Ward, the 1993 Heisman winner and national title quarterback at Florida State and 11-year NBA veteran, got hired by FAMU in April to become the Rattlers’ 16th head men’s basketball coach, replacing Patrick Crarey II. Ward previously was Florida High School’s boys’ basketball head coach, where he worked since 2018.

“It’s exciting to do it where I’m working now,” Ward said. “This will be the first time doing anything from a basketball perspective in the Lawson Center. I’m looking forward to all those who are signed up, and we’re looking for more to sign up before Saturday.”

Saturday’s Father’s Day clinic will feature scholarship opportunities for attendees through the Ward Family Foundation and the Florida Lottery’s Bright Futures Scholarship.

Those interested can register for the event on the Ward Family Foundation’s website. Walkups are welcome, too.

“Our mission and goal is to be able to make an impact on the community. This is just one of our ways to make that a reality,” Ward said.

“I’ve been able to do this with my kids throughout the years, and I’ve seen the memories we’ve been able to create through those opportunities. This is just a way to give back to the community and show how much we care and want to see everyone enjoy times together.”

Fathers Day Leadership Clinic, hosted by FAMU basketball coach Charlie WardWhen: Saturday, June 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.Where: Al Lawson CenterHow to attend: Register Here

Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.

Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.