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Baltimore Raven hosts youth football camp

  • Published
  • By By Airman 1st Class Alexa Culbert
  • 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala --  Baltimore Ravens' wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. hosted a youth football camp here for more than 90 children of military members, June 22, 2015.

During the event, the children were split into groups and taught a variety of offensive and defensive maneuvers and played two scrimmage games with Smith. They were also able to take their photo with him and get his autograph.

"it's a great opportunity to steal some time with my son before the season starts and it's also a time to invest in other people's kids and have fun," said Smith.

The event was a way to motivate the children to be physically active during their summer vacation and to learn the importance of teamwork and dedication.

"I think these kids will someday understand the sacrifices that their parents are making to defend our freedom, and a lot of hard work and effort goes into that," said Craig James, ProCamps Worldwide football director.  "If we can get these kids out here running a bit and teach them about football, that's something that is good for them in the long run.  It's not just about being a football player, it's about learning how to be a great teammate and to teach sportsmanship and those types of things that Steve has really exhibited throughout the year."

A couple of children at the youth football camp shared what meeting Smith meant to them.

"It was fun, because that's what I want to be when I grow up," said Kolton McCollum. "Just because someone says you can't do something, doesn't mean you can't do it. 

That should make you want to do it even more."

"The best part was meeting Coach Smith, that was pretty cool," said Michael Pritchard.

"You don't get to meet with a professional football player every day."

After the youth football camp, Smith headed to the Airman and Family Readiness Center to meet Airmen. The Airmen were able to talk one-on-one and take a photo with him and get his autograph.

"It felt very personal, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for sure," said Jarrod Peterson, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center medical systems developer.  "I'm very happy I came out."

While the event catered to Airmen and their children, Smith said he takes something away from the event, as well.

"I do it because it's fun and they get to interact with me, but more than that I get to interact with them," said Smith. "Whether people believe it or not, I get a lot out of it. I get the opportunity to see and meet different people with different stories. A lot of people may say that a celebrity has a lot to say, but a lot of times I like to listen and hear their stories ... . It's a great opportunity for me to see what they say and gives me an advantage that I don't have."