Paying it forward
Free football camp expands in third year; teaches teamwork, fundamentals

By Sue Teggart
C & G Sports Writer

In 2006, Pat Cavanaugh’s inaugural Believe to Achieve free youth football camp welcomed more than 60 participants for a one-day event.

In 2007, the camp “exploded” to receive more than 400 kids over two days.

The 2008 free youth football camp will be the first to offer two separate camp sessions in two days, giving campers a total football experience.

“It’s very exciting,” Cavanaugh said about the camp’s growth. “I’m just very passionate about working with kids, and I’m passionate about the game of football, and this camp is a combination of both.”

For Cavanaugh, football has played an integral part of his life as an All-State quarterback at Madison Heights Bishop Foley and while playing at Saginaw Valley State University.

Because Cavanaugh hasn’t lost sight of the people who helped him throughout his football career, he offers this free camp as a way to pay it forward.

“I had a lot of people helping me out, and I like the idea of having a free football camp,” said Cavanaugh, who currently lives in Troy.

The camp is for children ages 8 and up, and is limited to 140 participants per session.

The first session is from 6-9 p.m. July 11 and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 12. The second session runs 6-9 p.m. July 18 and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. July 19. Both camps will be held at the Warren Community Center’s football field.

Participants learn fundamentals of every offensive and defensive position — from quarterback to defensive line — and are taught by a camp staff that includes former college football players and coaches whose experiences span from high school to the NFL.

“While it is a free camp, and we’re looking for a lot of kids to participate, I’m also looking for a very instructional, organized camp where kids are going to get a lot out of it,” Cavanaugh said.

The Believe to Achieve camp intends to provide children with positive feedback and instill a positive mentality while teaching the fundamentals of football.

“I think kids can learn a lot about themselves, about teamwork, about believing in themselves,” Cavanaugh said. “I’m a big believer in if they believe in what they’re doing, they’re going to be successful at it.”

Cavanaugh said without the efforts of the his sponsors — Worldwide Industrial Contracting, J. Brooks Design, Warren Parks and Recreation, Ideal Graphics, McDonalds, Shelving Inc. and Champion Karate — the Believe to Achieve camp would not be possible.

All registered campers receive a T-shirt and are asked to wear proper footwear — cleats are recommended — and comfortable clothing.

The deadline to register is July 8. For more information visit the Warren Community Center at 5460 Arden Road or go to www.freeyouthfootballcamp.com

You can reach Sports Writer Sue Teggart at steggart@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1107.