Habersham Central had 78 campers between 4-14 years of age take place in the 2016 Future Raiders Football Camp May 23-26.
“First thing we did was just try to make it fun, while introducing them to different speed and agility drills that we use with our high school kids,” says head coach Benji Harrison. “We tried to teach them how to properly run with some drills that we do. We focused on start/stop type of drills, as well as change of direction drills.”
With many of the campers, it’s hard to tell at their age exactly where they will play at the high school level, so Harrison and the coaches made sure to give them a healthy balance of these drills that they can use at various positions.
“We tried to expose them to every offensive and defensive position, as well as kicking and punting,” states Harrison. “We would just put them through basic drills to give them an idea of each position. They are too young right now to say that a kid is this position or that position. We wanted to expose them to all positions.”
Of course, with most camps like the Future Raiders Football Camp, the coaches need more help than just the coaching staff. According to Harrison, about 20 of his varsity players were there daily to help the campers.
“Jon Ferguson, one of our senior offensive linemen, may have had the most fun of any of our players the days he was able to help,” adds Harrison. “It was very good to see our players interacting with all of those kids who really look up to them.”
The main goal for the camp was to get as many kids out there running around and have fun playing football.
“Hopefully all the kids enjoyed the week, which I believe they did, and will want to continue to play football,” says Harrison. “I encouraged all of the kids who are [ages] 6-12 to sign up and play in our recreation department that competes in the NGYFA.”
Among the campers were a few kids that play on the middle school team as well, prior to them taking part in the summer program. To follow Habersham Central Raiders football, LIKE them on Facebook or FOLLOW them on Twitter.
