Former Cedar Grove High School football player and current San Diego Chargers offensive linemen Marcus McNeill knows the importance of community involvement. For two years McNeill has held a football camp for students.
On June 27 more than 100 boys ages 5-18 participated in McNeill’s football camp at DeKalb County’s Hallford Stadium. “Giving back to the community is what makes our community grow,” said McNeill.
Before the participants took part in the football drills, they were given a motivational speech about modern technology, leadership skills and academics from Nicole Watson, speaker with the National Collegiate Scouting Association.
The football camp teaches the kids to be successful in the classroom and the community and it emphasized the importance of leadership skills. “These kids have the opportunity to become anything they want to such as lawyers, doctors or athletes long as they stay focused in life,” said McNeill.
The camp consisted of agility drills, running drills, fundamentals of catching a football and offensive and defensive drills. “Every drill will help the kids speed, agility, hips and muscles,” said strength and conditioning assistant John Lewis. “The kids need to learn how to run from all angles, not just from front and back but from left to right, also it makes them faster and stronger,” he added.
Jessie Benton’s son Austin participated in the camp. “I expect my son to learn leadership skills and develop better techniques and agility.
“I expect my son Lannie Manning to learn teamwork and work hard,” said parent Lutalo Manning.
“I love the game of football and it’s nothing like giving back to the community and helping a former Cedar Grove Saints football player,” said Cedar Grove head coach Ray Bonner. Bonner assisted in the workout drills, for the participants.
Mailing Address: Post Office Box 1347 Decatur, Georgia 30031-1347
Physical Address: 114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA 30030 404.373.7779
