SAVANNAH — The United States Marine Corps Sports Leadership Academy will host a free wrestling clinic Saturday at Armstrong State University, 11935 Abercorn St., Savannah.

The USMC Sports Leadership Academy is for athletes seeking skill training and leadership insights that go beyond the mat. These nationwide sports clinics offer the chance to enhance wrestling ability through instruction from some of the area’s best wrestling coaches, as well as learn leadership from some of America’s best leaders, the United States Marines.

"We are excited to provide this opportunity for the local youth to complement their athletic experiences with the skill set to become exceptional leaders," Leroy Pennington, director of eastern recruiting region marketing said. "The USMC Sports Leadership Academy is a unique skill building experience that provides a great atmosphere for its participants."

Participants will be immersed in the fundamentals of wrestling while being exposed to Marine-style leadership. Marine Corps leadership traits will be taught during sessions throughout the day and focus on how the sports skills learned on the mat relate to leadership challenges.

The academy begins at 8 a.m. and concludes at 4:30 p.m. following the awards presentations and closing ceremony. All participants receive a T-shirt and free lunch as well as a camp swag bag. The seven top performers will receive all-academy medals. The event is open to anyone between the age of 15 and 19 and is made possible in part by BODYARMOR Sports Drink and sports equipment manufacturer, Spalding. Limited registration is available at www.usmcsports.com.