Free Football Camp Draws Crowd

For many kids, summer football camps are a rite of passage. While players and fans of the game may disagree on their allegiances, they will all agree that summer football camps served as the genesis for their love of the game.

Nearly 60 athletes ages 5 to 16 participated in Monday evening’s Alexandria Titans Football Camp.The Alexandria Department of Recreation, in collaboration with , is sponsoring the free camp, held at T.C. Williams’ Parker-Gray Football Stadium. The camp runs June 27 to 30 from 6 to 8 p.m.

“Our goal is to get children involved in athletics and in football. Whether they play for a public school or private school here in the city, it makes no difference to us. We just want them out there playing,” said Mac Slover, the city's director of sports.

On Monday, volunteer coaches offered introductory and advanced instruction to camp participants, while some parents took advantage of the down time and socialized with others in the stands.

“The parents get to mingle while the kids get to do their thing,” Chakenia Walker said as her 7-year-old son, Kamontee, participated in drills. “It’s a good program. It gives the kids something to do and gives them an idea of what the real sport is going to be like.”

Players were divided into groups depending on age and weight, while 11 volunteer coaches provided training. Players were instructed on proper blocking, passing, catching and tackling techniques. Agility and conditioning exercises were also offered. 

In one of the camp’s blocking sessions, coaches demonstrated proper stance and blocking techniques, while also articulating to the athletes as to why it is important to do so. Athletes intently gazed at their coaches before testing the new techniques on each other.

“I’ve been [coaching] for about 13 years. I just love the kids coming out here and seeing where they start from in the beginning, and where they end up at the end of the year,” said coach Wonell Wesley.

Wesley also remarked on how promptly the new players absorbed all the new information.

“I already saw improvement today from the first-year players who just came out," he said.

For veteran players such as 13-year-old Duncan Mackay, the camp offers the opportunity for an early start on returning to last season’s form.

“It was good, it was fun. I get conditioned for the season and got to get my fundamentals going again,” Duncan said.

The showing of nearly 60 participants is confirmation of the popularity of youth football in Alexandria, something that Slover recognizes.

“The camp brings awareness to our programs. Tackle and flag football in the city have become important parts to our program,” Slover said. “We have the opportunity to tie our program to the community and T.C. Williams High School has been very gracious in allowing us to use the field and for supporting our program."

Shortly after coaches blew the final whistle on Monday’s practice, an exodus of sweat-drenched kids met their parents and headed for their cars. While most likely slept soundly on the ride home due to exhaustion, they’ll do it again the next day.

Despite the workout, Wanda Thrash says her 10-year-old son, Jaden, a wide receiver, thoroughly enjoys it.

“He loves it. He loves coming out and running around. He loves the coaches. I think that it is great for the kids, for them to learn and improve their skill,” she said.

Parents interested in the Alexandria Titans Football Camp can still sign their children up.

For more information, visit: http://alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/recreation/services/FOOTBALL%20CAMP%20FLYER.pdf