The Utica football team recently held its annual youth camp, where players and coaches led drills and games for children in the community interested in football.
While professional instruction from coaches plays an important role in skill development, having the players take the lead allows campers to build relationships with the high schoolers they admire.
“The young kids really look up to the players, and we stress how big of an impact our players can have on the kids,” Coach Charlie Rowley told the Mount Vernon News. “The campers really listen intently when our players are coaching, and they love the interactions that the player-led camp provides.”
Being coached by the players is undoubtedly meaningful for the campers, but the experience is just as beneficial for the athletes themselves.
“Having our players lead drills in youth camp is a big benefit to them because it helps their own understanding of the drills, fundamentals, and concepts that we ask of them,” said Coach Rowley. “They now have to teach it, which furthers their own development as players.”
Although the players are heavily involved, they are supported by the coaching staff throughout the camp. Coach Rowley notes that the coaches remain actively engaged, emphasizing the importance of mentoring players to develop their leadership skills. As a result, the camp becomes a learning experience not only for the kids but also for the high school players.
The camp is just one part of the team’s broader preparation efforts outside of conditioning.
“We are really starting to get busy now with summer practices and seven-on-sevens… We have had a good offseason and a good start to summer practices and scheme installations,” said Coach Rowley. “We are taking it day by day in our preparation, but we are also excited to get the season underway.”
