The Detroit Lions Youth Football kicked off their summer camps last week. This week's camp featured Lions' guard 
The camps, run by youth football director Chris Fritzsching and his coaching staff, are extremely effective in not only teaching the skills and techniques of football but also in character development.
Each day they focus on a different trait that is important to being a better football player on and off the field, in addition to going through extensive drills and technique training. Children as young as six years old are able to come out and participate in the 4-day camp.
Lions guard Rob Sims came out to the camp today to encourage the kids with his coaching, talk to them and answer questions, and sign autographs.
“I think football teaches you things in life that a lot of people don’t get to learn. I hope these kids keep their love for the game and play as long as they can. It’s a great game, one of the best in the world. It’s just wonderful that they are starting so young.”
That is one of the things that makes the Lions’ youth camp so unique. The staff is able to interact with children and give them the full attention they need to improve at any age. They even sit down and analyze film with the kids so they are able to see themselves play and talk about how to become even better. This helps them to truly get the full experience.
“Over the course of the week you see the kids develop and grow as individuals. You really see them understand the game of football better, as opposed to when they came in. You see things start to click in their minds when you’ve introduced a drill or a technique to them and they go through the process. Just seeing a kid enjoy their time here, that’s what we enjoy doing here,” said youth football director Chris Fritzsching.
Having a player like Rob Sims come out really makes an impact on the kids.
Sims remembers how important attending camps and being around successful players was for him when he was young.
“It was important for me when I was younger to learn from guys that have done it and have made it. It helped me out. I’m hoping that for one or two of these guys, me being here helps them out. I really enjoyed being with the kids.”
To find out more about the Detroit Lions youth football camps visit our youth football page
