UNA will host the first ProGrass International Scout Bowl at Braly Stadium March 15, 2013, as was announced in a press conference at the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa today.

ProGrass, the Collegiate Development Football League and EUROstopwatch have come together to sponsor the event. It is the sponsors’ hope to continue the event annually.

“We feel very fortunate to be able to have this game in the Shoals area,” said George St. Lawrence, founder of the CDFL.

The game will feature top professional prospects from a variety of places – from the Shoals’ own back yard to countries around the world. The players will be mentored by legendary coaches such as Sherman Lewis, Mike Gottfried and Bob Valesente.

“It’s amazing just to hear those names,” said Francisco Lujan, Director of Operations for EUROstopwatch.

The event will be televised, according to Lujan, though they are still working with CSS, NBC and Spike TV to determine which channel will stream it.

In the days leading up to the game, the players will participate in a combine on March12, daily practices, a community event and a banquet, said UNA Athletic Director Mark Linder.

Lujan said they are looking at bringing in players from Mexico, Canada, India, France, Austria and South Africa. He also said they also want to include free agents who have already graduated, to give them a second chance.

That includes, according to Lawrence, a familiar face from UNA.

“Wes (Holland, who graduated from UNA last spring) is on the board.”

Lujan explained that they want to bring in players from around the world because football has been growing internationally, and, he predicts, may one day become an Olympic sport.

The sponsors also plan to bring in players from all divisions, including SEC players. Since this event will occur after many pro-days and senior bowls, Lawrence and Lujan said they look at this bowl as a second chance for many players.

 “One of the mottos we have is that we believe student athletes deserve a second chance to make a first impression,” Lawrence said.

 Lujan pointed out that there are many talented players never seen by scouts because they don’t play at schools such as Alabama or Auburn.

 “There’s so many talented athletes out there, and the thing is, not all of them are playing (for big teams), they’re playing right here in your backyard,” said Lujan.

The weekend will be full of football in the Shoals area, with the UNA football team hosting its annual spring scrimmage game the following morning at Braly.

 “We’ll have a great football weekend, and on top of that, we have a double header in baseball the next day against UAH,” Linder said.