Ed McCaffrey's Youth Football Camp

It is a little humid for a midsummer's morning in Colorado. The lingering mist from yesterday's rain begins to dissipate on a High School football field as a crowd of young boys are instructed in the fundamentals of America's great game by former Bronco Wide Receiver Ed McCaffrey. One of Denver's favorite sons, Eddie and 14 assistants, are spending the week in Colorado Springs running a youth football Camp.

                      At the end of the session, the kids huddle-up for a reinforcement of the day's lesson

This is the 9th year that McCaffrey has held this Camp. From 8:30 - 11:30 each day this past week, 40 to 50 young kids were taught football basics from a melange of former NFL players, high school coaches and fitness experts. The kids participated in Combine skills testing, speed training, and football skills, including 7 on 7 play.

The camp includes football skills and speed training from some of the very best NFL, collegiate and high school coaches in the country. Former coaches and celebrity speakers have included NFL greats Rod Smith, John Lynch, Mark Schlereth, Karl Mecklenburg, Steve Beuerlein and Trevor Pryce among others.

"We have assembled an all-star cast of coaches to teach our young campers about the great game of football," McCaffrey says.  "The skills we teach have been used by Pro Bowlers, Super Bowl champions and Hall of Famers."

                                          Chad Brown is interviewed after Wednesdays session

Celebrity guest speakers attend the event as well. Former CU Buff and Seattle Seahawk linebacker Chad Brown spoke at Wednesday's clinic. Also present was former Bronco Wide Receiver Justin Armour, who is a local Colorado Springs product and fellow Stanford Alumni of Eddie Mac's. Justin was there to assist young aspiring receivers in their quest to be better players. Another Ex-Bronco quarterback, Gus Frerotte, nurtured future signal callers with their technique.

This Football Camp offers far more than mere Xs and Os. Guest speakers are a big part of each day's agenda, covering topics such as The Mental Edge, Making Good Choices and Healthy Living. McCaffrey describes the camp's goals as follows:

"While we pride ourselves on the success of our campers, as coaches our aim is to motivate and inspire every camper at every level to make the most of their unique talents and abilities on the field and in life."

Campers will receive football skills training from NFL professionals, and speed and agility training from "trainer to the pros" Loren Landow, who has worked with more than 100 professional athletes, including several All-Pros and Super Bowl Champions. Participants will also enjoy 7-on-7 competition throughout the week and the opportunity to gauge their skills during the "Youth Combine," modeled after the NFL's pre-draft Scouting Combine.


The camp culminates with an autograph session by Ed and his fellow NFL and college players and coaches, who thoroughly enjoy sharing with future generations of youth football players what they know about the great game of football.

Eddie's football Camps are held at different locations throughout Colorado. This past week they were held at Wasson High School's Garry Berry Stadium in Colorado Springs. The former All-Pro wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion has another Youth Camp planned for next week at Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, Colo. (3775 E. Grace Blvd., 80126). The camp, for kids between the ages of 8 and 15, is scheduled for June 28-July 1, 2010, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. each day. Participants may register by visiting www.EdMcCaffrey.com.



2010 HIGHLANDS RANCH OPEN FOOTBALL CAMP

9th Annual Ed McCaffrey Football Camp
June 28th-July 1st, 2010
8:30 to 11:30 am

Valor Christian High School
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
$225/participant
Open to kids ages 8 to 15


And for the more experienced players:

2010 HIGHLANDS RANCH ELITE FOOTBALL CAMP

Eddie Mac ELITE Football Camp 2010
June 28th-July 1st, 2010
12:30 to 3:30 pm
Valor Christian High School
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
$225/participant
Ages 8 to 15

 Ed McCaffrey Football Camp FAQ's


This is a non-contact camp for kids ages 8 to 15. Girls are welcome to attend the camp. All campers should wear Shorts and a T-shirt. Cleats are recommended for ideal traction on our state-of-the-art artificial turf field. However, it is important for each child to bring a water bottle to drink from before and after each session. Water breaks are taken every 20 minutes to rehydrate. All other necessary equipment will be provided.


The camp is OPEN to all kids ages 8-15 with a passion for the game of football and a desire to learn and have fun. Because it is a non-contact camp, no prior experience is necessary. Some campers are being introduced to football for the first time while others have up to eight years of experience. Campers will be organized by age and ability at the start of camp and will progress through our drill stations and compete in 7 on 7 with the same group throughout the week.


If you have several years of football playing experience the afternoon ELITE Camp is recommend. It will run from 12:30pm-3:30pm on the same days, June 28-July 1, and location, Valor Christian High School.

One thing I overheard Eddie telling the kids was

"The most important play, is the next one. You don't have time to get mad if you just missed a tackle or dropped a pass, you have to be ready for the next play. If you aren't ready, you're hurting your team."

I scored an Autograph from Eddie after they wrapped things up on Wednesday. All I can say is, he didn't apply a cutback block and point his finger at me.