Philadelphia Eagles Football Camp Coming to Newtown

Every professional sports organization competes for the attention of the young fan, all of whom are deciding their favorite sports and long-term team loyalties.

The Philadelphia Eagles pay particularly close attention to this decision. As the nation’s most popular sport, football has a tremendous advantage. So how do the Eagles maintain their place as “favorite team” among the youngest fan demographic?

One strategy is to form direct bonds with the children through the Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps -- the franchise’s official youth camp program.

These week-long, day-camps provide non-contact football instruction to kids from ages 6 to 14 years old.  One of the 13 camp locations is right here in Newtown.

Eagles Youth Football camp will be held July 11 through July 15 at Newtown Friends School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Eagles camp organizers said they believe the safe, non-contact program model is the most effective way to teach the kids the sport, while providing comfort to parents with concerns about tackle football.

“We want football to be accessible to kids,” said Eagles Youth Football Camp program director Tom Finks. “In order to do this, the camps need to be conveniently located, safe and high quality. We have tremendous coaching resources, including many alumni Eagles players. The non-contact format allows us to safely introduce the game to newcomers, while at the same time we can challenge and develop experienced players.”

While youth football camps are common, very few non-contact programs are available, organizers explained. Finks said he believes the Eagles are filling that void and providing a great option for kids who like the game.

Finks has been around football his entire life. His late father Jim Finks was once the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints General Manager and is a member of the NFL Hall of Fame. And he is applying some of his Dad’s philosophy to the camp curriculum.

“One thing I learned from my Dad is athleticism comes first,” said Finks. “Whether it was a quarterback, linebacker or an offensive lineman, the player needed to demonstrate a wide variety of skills, speed and agility. He loved lineman who could run, catch, and shoot a basketball. That idea of developing athleticism is a key part of our non-contact football camps.”

An average day at Eagles camp begins with a warm-up, speed and agility training, offensive skills stations, and team play, organizers explained. Then there’s a break inside for lunch. After lunch, there will be indoor activities, including interactive football games, video sessions, and educational components on the importance of eating right and staying hydrated.

Afternoons feature defensive skills stations, seven on seven tournaments, and reinforcements before the final whistle. Kids will have the chance to meet former players and get autographs. Other highlights of the week include team competitions, which lead to a mock Super Bowl. There are also individual competitions and two campers win an Eagles helmet at every camp. The week culminates with awards.

Camps are led by professional educators with high school or college coaching experience. These staffers travel to all 13 different camp locations. Former Eagle players such as Fred Barnett, Bill Bergey, Garry Cobb, Frank LeMaster, Vince Papale, William Thomas and others provide supplemental instruction at all camps. Certified athletic trainers are also available.

The cost of the camp is $339 for the week. Group discounts, payment plans, and financial aid scholarships are available. For more information about Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps, visit www.EaglesCamps.com or call 888-226-9919.