An excessive heat warning wasn’t stopping local youth from enjoying the 21st edition of the Neshaminy Football camp.
For a straight week, young football players get to experience what it feels like to be a Neshaminy Redskin.
“We run this camp exactly like we run a Neshaminy practice, just without the contact,” assistant coach Neil French said. French understands how important this camp can be for developing prospective Redskins. “The most gratifying thing for me is a kid will show up to this camp in third grade, and next thing you know he’s out there on his senior night playing against Pennsbury.”
Mason Jones is one example of those young campers. Jones started going to the Neshaminy summer camp when he was in kindergarten. He’s now currently a quarterback for the University of Delaware, and is back coaching at the camp that started his football career 14 years ago. “The camp shows everyone the tradition and pride Neshaminy Football has,” Jones said. ” The coaches do an amazing job teaching these guy the same level of attention to detail that is taught at the high school level.”
Being a part of this camp for 14 consecutive summers has made Jones realize heat is simply not an obstacle for those in attendance. “Everyone is smiling here… Everyone is happy….,” he said. “Despite the heat everyone’s energy is through the roof and that makes this job awesome.”
Mason Jones (center in bucket hat) and cheerful campers
A coach’s job at this camp extends far beyond the white lines. “This camp teaches kids how to compete and more importantly how to be a great teammate,” said Neshaminy head Coach Steve Wilmot.
Coach French reiterated Coach Wilmot’s point. “We teach these kids how to work, how to prepare, and how to fight through adversity,” he said.
The camp is only one of two youth football camps Bucks County has to offer.
Coach Neil French addressing sweaty campers upon completion of Wednesday’s session.
