Youth Programs

Camps and Academies

Summer Camps - REGISTER NOW

The summer of 2013 will mark the 10th year of existence for Detroit Lions Summer Youth Football Camps.

Over the past nine summers, Detroit Lions Youth Football has conducted summer camps in 38 Michigan cities and has impacted over 10,500 participants.

In 2013, the Detroit Lions will conduct 29 Youth Football Camps and Academies around the state of Michigan and Ohio, marking this the biggest summer ever in the history of Detroit Lions Youth Football!

This summer's schedule will consist of 7 new Michigan markets: one Ohio market, four camps at Ford Field in Detroit, and one camp at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park.

Camps will also make annual stops in Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Lake Orion, Plymouth, Chesterfield, and Grand Blanc, and will hold three Lil' Lions Academies, two QB-WR Academies, two Offensive Skills Academies and three Academies for middle & high school participants.

"We work year-round to build a solid curriculum that provides a fun and educational foundation of the game of football while teaching the athlete the benefits of involvement in the game both on and off the field", said Detroit Lions Director of Youth Football, Chris Fritzsching. "Skill development, safety, and the fun participating within the game is the emphasis at every Detroit Lions Youth Football Camp or Academy we conduct."

Detroit Lions Youth Football Camps and Academies are open to boys and girls, ages 4-18, are non-contact and designed to improve a child's beginning, intermediate, or advanced skill level. Camps and mini-camps provide fundamental instruction on all positions on both sides of the football. Academies focus on specific positions and allow for more detailed instruction and player development.

Participants are grouped based on age and skill level. Each camp is limited to the first 70 participants to register and is conducted by Chris Fritzsching, Director of Detroit Lions Youth Football, and the Detroit Lions Youth Football Coaching Staff, who are coaches and professional educators from the collegiate and high school ranks.

The 2013 Detroit Lions Summer Youth Football Camp schedule is listed below:

*Kicking/Punting Academy & Middle School/High School QB-WR Academy
conducted for students going into Grades 7-12.

For more information or to register, call (313) 262-2248,
or e-mail youthfootballcamps@detroitlions.com.

If you are interested in getting on our Summer Youth Football Camp mailing list, please send your name, mailing address, e-mail address and phone number to youthfootballcamps@detroitlions.com

Summer Camp Features:

• High-Energy Instruction
• Technique Training
• Highly-Interactive Drills
• Video Analysis
• Chalk Talk
• Skill Competition and Scrimmages (4-day camps only)
• Life Lessons and Leadership Seminar
• Training provided by Detroit Lions Youth Football Coaching Staff featuring High School and College Coaches

Value:

• Quality Football Instruction
• 10:1 Athlete to Coach ratio
• Certificate of Participation
• Lions Camp T-shirt
• Boys & girls ages 4-18 are eligible to participate and will be grouped based on age and skill level
• Youth camps are non-contact and designed to improve beginning, intermediate, or advanced skill levels
• Football cleats and mouth guard recommended
• Current or former Lions players attend the 4-day camps to work with the participants, speak to the participants about life in the NFL and sign autographs.
• Fundamentals of all positions on offense, defense and special teams will be taught in addition to life skills such as goal setting, teamwork, communication, sportsmanship and the importance of education.

Testimonials

"I want to say a BIG Thank You to the coaching staff for their hard work and valuable lessons you have taught my son Chase over the past few days at the Jenison camp! You guys made the camp enjoyable yet challenging and Chase walked away with new goals & determined to achieve them. As a parent I want to thank you for stressing accountability, integrity and the importance of taking ownership for your actions! Overall I was impressed and we will be back!"
Jill P. - Jenison, MI

"Andrew had an awesome time! Really loved the coaching style of you and your staff. I feel it was very beneficial for Andrew to attend! We really enjoyed our first experience with Lions Youth Football!"
Elizabeth M. - St. Clair Shores, MI

"I just wanted to tell you how much my son enjoyed your camp. He loves the game and is always throwing the ball. He will excel with what he learned. All of the coaches were great working with the kids. This is a great program. With a family of four boys (who all play football) we will be back!"
Debbie T. - Goodrich, MI

"I want to tell you what a great job you and your team do with the Lions summer camps. My boys have been attending for the past three years and look forward to it every year. They come home excited and energized for both the game and the team. Thanks for all that you do to make it a great experience for the kids."
Jodi T. - Washington Twp, MI

"Thanks for another great camp! Once again, you don't fail to impress. Nathan was really happy about how great the camp was and will definitely be back for a full week next year."
Mark C. - Shelby Twp, MI

Specialty Academies

Academies are conducted for those who look to receive specific instruction at one or more positions. Academies allow for much more detailed skill development.

Following are types of Academies conducted:
Kicking/Punting Academy (Ages 11-18): Designed for the student-athlete looking to become a better kicker and punter. One day will be spent solely on kicking techniques, the second day on punting. Kicking instruction will focus on kickoffs, pooch kicks, onside kicks, extra points and field goals. Punting instruction will focus on developing a punter's distance and hang time in addition to understanding the importance of situational punting. Participants will work on both techniques. Academy held: Summer.

Lil' Lions Academy (ages 4-8): Provides a basic understanding of the quarterback, running back and wide receiver position for the child just beginning to learn to play the game. Participants will work at developing their skills at all three positions. Academy held: Summer.

Lineman Academy (ages 8-14): Provides a detailed understanding what it is like to play in the trenches: offensive and defensive line. Offensive linemen will work on their stance, run blocking and pass protection. Defensive lineman will work on their stance, get off, shedding blocks, and pass rush and pursuit techniques. Participants will develop technique on both sides of the ball. Academy held: Summer

Offensive Skills Academy (ages 8-14): Provides a detailed understanding of the quarterback, running back and wide receiver positions. Participants will develop their skills at all three positions. The 4-day Offensive Skills Academy provides a 7 on 7 Passing Tournament on the final day of the Academy. Academy held: Summer

Quarterback-Wide Receiver Academy (ages 8-14, ages 11-18): Participants will focus on only one position during this Academy. Wide receivers will focus on footwork, route running, catching the football, perimeter blocking and understanding coverages. Quarterbacks will focus on footwork, throwing technique, throwing in the pocket and on the run, and understanding coverages. Academy held: Mid-Winter Break and Summer.

Future Camp Consideration
If your organization or community is interested in hosting a 2014 Detroit Lions Summer Youth Football Camp, please contact Chris Fritzsching, Director of Youth Football at (313)262-2248 or via e-mail at cfritzsching@detroitlions.com by December 1, 2013 for consideration.