By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Editor

PELHAM — Pelham High head football coach Brett Burnett is planning ahead over the summer months —and not just in anticipation of the upcoming season.

The Panthers will be hosting a youth football camp June 9-12 at Pelham City Park, in hopes of not only educating younger players about the game and the Pelham High program, but also to serve the community.

“Our kids help coach,” he said. “It’s kind of a way to give back. It’s a lot of fun.”
The camp is open to all athletes from Kindergarten-eight grade, and those who attend will be split into age groups and introduce players to different aspects of the game.

“We rotate the players thought offensive positions and defensive positions,” he said. “(We) try to let them experience as much football as possible.”
Throughout the camp, daily competitions will be held in categories such as punt pass and kick, lineman challenges, seven-on-seven play and an event called the “superstar course.” Burnett said campers will receive prizes for the competitions.

Over the first few days, campers will learn the basics of football, choosing a position on offense and defense to focus on the last two days of the camp. The final two days, each player will be taught special skills that are specific to their position.

“Early in the camp, we try to let kids experience every position on both sides of the ball,” Burnett said. “The last two days we let them select a position on offense and on defense, and go a little more in depth. That format has worked well for us in the past.”

The early registration cost of the camp is $75 dollars, and will remain at that price until May 31. For more information, email Burnett at BBurnett@shelbyed.k12.al.us.