Players will learn how to block on the football field and how to tackle issues off it when the “Scoop & Score Success” program is held June 22 at Edison High School.
The program is for players ages 6-18 during the one-day event. It will enforce the values of teamwork, fair play and sportsmanship, according to a press release from the Township of Edison.
The camp will have NFL players coaching the skills and drills, and a guest speaker will teach participants how to use those skills off the field and in life, according to the release.
Michael Campbell, a former NFL receiver with the New York Jets and St. Louis Rams, is the spearhead behind this program, which preaches the importance of applying skills learned on the field for use off of it, according to the release.
Campbell is a graduate of Edison High School and was recently appointed as the Township of Edison Youth Opportunity Coordinator. Campbell played in college at Temple University and in the NFL during the 2011 season.
“What distinguishes Scoop & Score Success from other sports camps is that it goes beyond the game itself,” Campbell said. “We will stress the importance of education, making positive life choices, health and wellness, character building and community engagement.”
Campbell also pointed out that the camp is important because sports naturally teaches youngsters life lessons.
“Sports can play a vital role in teaching youngsters fundamental values, like strong work ethic, teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline and punctuality,” Campbell said. “We will stress the importance of being a well-rounded person and student-athlete.”
According to the release, Campbell partnered with the Township of Edison Recreation Department and with another former NFL player, Lonnie Allgood, the CEO of the nonprofit Dreams for Kids organization, to create the “Scoop & Score Success” football camp.
Algood played as a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills in the 1970s. He was a graduate of Red Bank Regional High School.
Edison Mayor Thomas Lankey praised the entire operation.
“This football camp’s objectives are very commendable. Plus, it demonstrates how public-private partnerships can help local government achieve programming goals, especially when they benefit our children with minimal impact on taxpayers,” Lankey said. “By getting Campbell, Edison scored a hometown touchdown.”
The four-hour camp will cost $25.
According to the release, “Scoop and Score Success” is seeking sponsors, business partners, individual donors and vendors to help facilitate the camp events.
Players can be registered at the Edison Recreation Department, 100 Municipal Blvd., in Edison or online at www.edisonnj.org.
