GRACEVILLE, Fla- It’s time for the 2nd annual C.H.A.M.P. Camp at Graceville High School this week. It’s a football camp hosted by Anthony “Champ” Kelly, a Graceville alum, who is the assistant director of pro personnel for the Denver Broncos. Kelly wants to continue to give back to the kids in his hometown and beyond.
Last summer Champ Kelly started the C.H.A.M.P. camp to show young football players the fundamentals of the game, and to also teach them about more than just football.
“Just talk about life skills,” Champ Kelly said. “Accountability, just encouragement. About being tough, being reliable.”
Champ and his coaches are back for year number two, which they hope will doubles the first.
“We’ve gone to Dothan Alabama to encourage some of those kids to come out. We had a chance to go to some schools here in Panama city to encourage those kids to come out. So we’re excited about this year, hoping to double the turnout from a year ago in Graceville,” added Kelly.
Champ is not alone in this venture. He brings in several coaches and former players to give these children a chance to learn from people who have been where they want to go. People like Eric Kelly, a Bay High alum and former Kentucky Wildcat, who played in the NFL.
“Just to be able to help the kids out and give them an opportunity to understand what it takes to achieve their goals, whether it’s being an athlete or a doctor or lawyer,” Eric Kelly said. “Whatever it may be. Just being able to give the kids in my area, that don’t get that opportunity on an every day basis, a chance to meet someone who’s done it before.”
The goal of the camp is to help develop character, heart, attitude, motivation and pride, and if last year’s results are any indication it looks like their mission is being accomplished.
The camp is for kids ages 10 to 17. It starts on Thursday and runs through Friday. You can register until the morning of the camp.
Kelly also played host to a camp in Kentucky last week. For more information on the camp and how to register visit the C.H.A.M.P. Camp website below.
