IMMEDIATE RELEASE BLACKSBURG, Va.,– After another extraordinary camp last summer, Kevin Jones and a few of his NFL friends will facilitate a two-day camp this summer, June 22-23 on the Virginia Tech Rec Sports SRA Fields.
Ages 6-10 participate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and ages 11-17 participate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All skill levels are welcome. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Virginia thanks to camp sponsors: Bull and Bones Brewhaus and Grill, Coca-Cola, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Hilton Garden Inn Blacksburg, Rita’s Water Ice and more.
Participants will learn from on-the-field instruction. Jones, among other NFL athletes and local coaches, will provide the experience of a real NFL training camp to young participants. The campers will break into groups according to age and positions to learn the fundamentals and proper techniques specific to each position. Campers will also participate in health and wellness seminars and team-building activities.
Kevin Jones of Chester, Pa., was the highest-rated recruit in Virginia Tech history. He is now a local football celebrity due to his success at Virginia Tech. In 2004, Jones was drafted in the first round by the Detroit Lions. Since then he has played for the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears.
“Our son had a wonderful experience at Kevin's camp. The coaches went above and beyond to assist all of the campers. Each camper got individual attention and assistance with all of the drills. Our son was able to take the drills he did at camp and use them when he played in the fall. The NFL and Virginia Tech players were awesome interacting with all of the campers and making sure everyone was getting the most out of the camp. Our son is already talking about going to Kevin's camp again this summer,” said Terry and Kim Cobb, parents of a camper from last summer.
“I am excited about the camp this year. We had great support from the Hokie Nation last year and we are looking forward to improving on last year’s successes by teaching the campers both football and life skills that will help prepare them for success at any level,” says Kevin Jones.
Mike Goforth, Associate Director of Athletics for Sports Medicine at Virginia Tech will offer an informative, in-depth look at concussions. Campers and parents will learn prevention techniques, best case practices, how to recognize the symptoms, and a guide for returning to play. He will also include tips about hydration, diet, and overall wellness to help the athletes stay healthy year-round.
On the last day of the training camp, participants will receive a gift bag, take a team photo, and enjoy an autograph session. The autograph session is for campers only, and only camp memorabilia will be signed.
Camp registration and pricing information is available online.
In an effort to remind campers of the importance of education, Kevin is personally sponsoring 10 campers who would like to attend his Youth Football Training Camp. In order to apply, interested participants must submit a 250-word essay on why education is important and how an education prepares you for life on and off the field. The essay is due no later than 5 pm on May 24th and may be submitted via e-mail. The winners will be announced via the camp website, on Wednesday, May 29th.
Local coaches who are interested in volunteering at the camp are encouraged to register at the camp website. Free parking for the event is available in the Chicken Hill Lot. Find more parking information online or call (540) 231-3200.
Virginia Tech Recreational Sports joins in partnership with the university to enhance the quality of life for all students, faculty, staff, their families, and the community by providing recreational and fitness opportunities throughout the year. The Department of Recreational Sports is a part of the Division of Student Affairs. For more information on all events and programs, e-mail the Recreational Sports’ main office or call 540-231-6856.