The Cambridge Youth Football Camp concluded Day 2 at Cambridge Soccer Field on Wednesday and despite the sweltering temperatures, the number of campers attending had increased this year.
A fact that brought a smile to CHS football coach Ray Leek’s face.
A total of 83 youth from the region attended this year’s two-day camp, compared to 55 last season.
Leek explained that he believes this is due to the progress the Bobcats program has made in recent years.
“These numbers just tell us that we’re doing things right,” explained Leek. “The excitement in our program is huge right now, from the biddy league to the varsity level. Everyone does a great job to the end so we can keep building numbers which is the big thing.”
Leek gave a lot of credit to the volunteers who oversee the youth programme, which is vital to building a solid programme, explained the Cambridge Headmaster.
“Our Biddy League program is the foundation of our program,” Leek offered. “We get them learning the right things down there at a young age and then we add that as they get older and move up the program. Without the Biddy League program, our numbers would suffer. It would just be a ripple effect clear down to the varsity level.
“Our Biddy League volunteers just did a great job. They’re here today signing up players to play this fall. We have a great working relationship and it really benefits us both,” added Leek. “We all have the same goal. We want to get players involved in the program from Biddy League through middle school to me at the varsity level.”
Leek stated his main goal for the camp is to get players excited about football while also teaching them the basics of the rust game.
“The main purpose of our camp is to teach the kids the basics. Number two is teaching them the basics of our Bobcat program,” added Leek. “And third, to get them excited about playing football and just having fun while they’re here.”
Leek was impressed with the way his young campers were working despite the hot temperatures as camp ran from 10am to 12pm in both sessions.
“It was really exciting to see how hard the kids worked, it’s really hot out here,” continued Leek. “But they never complained, they just did what was asked of them. We have a lot of good kids here, which is a great foundation to build a program on.”
The camp included soccer lessons from Coach Leek and his coaching staff. A big plus for the campers was the active participation of the Cambridge varsity players in the work with the children.
“These young people really look up to our varsity players,” said the CHS boss. “So having our varsity players out here teaching and working with these young players has a huge impact on them. I’m really proud of my boys for stepping up and embracing the last two days. They just did a great job and these kids will remember it.”
“Our high school payers did a great job guiding the kids through exercises,” Leek added. “I thought they did a great job of mingling with the kids and talking to them. It was great to see that.”
For Cambridge seventh grader AJ Lawrence, son of Ben and Denise Lawrence, the best part of camp was being able to meet and learn from the high school players.
“I’ve been coming to camp for three years and the best part is being able to learn from the varsity players,” said Lawrence. “They helped me with a lot of things, like catching and throwing the football better. Also, I feel like I’ve gotten better with my tackles, they’ve helped me with the right form.
“I really just wanted to learn everything I could,” Lawrence added. “I had a great time and am really looking forward to playing football in the seventh grade this year.”
Camp moved to the football field this year due to some exciting renovations at Bobcat’s McFarland Stadium. A brand new turf field and locker room will be ready for the upcoming Gridiron season.
“We’re thrilled to be able to play on a brand new artificial turf pitch this season and also to have a newly renovated locker room,” said Leek.
Leek is happy with the work that has been done over the past two days and feels it has been a positive experience for everyone involved.
“We’ve gotten better in the last two days,” said Leek. “This would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of these children over the last two days. From the high school players who put in the extra time, to the young kids who come out and are ready to be coached. Everyone benefits. We just hope those kids come back and stick with the program.”
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