Every season, we host a free two-day speed and agility camp open to all residents in our township. We typically hold it on the first weekend of spring, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings. We will have all of our coaches that we selected for the fall season help instruct at the camp.

We try to reach out to local high school coaches and a local speed and agility coach. As an incentive, the speed coach can advertise at the field so every camp attendant sees the brand banner. Having a legitimate speed coach volunteering makes the event more appealing.

Benefits

• Drive early sign-ups, including early bird (discounted) registrations.
• Coaches can meet players and parents. This is an excellent time to start making a good impression on the parents.
• Coaches get an early assessment of their players. 
• Show parents what you are about. Board members should market the organization and mingle with parents. This camp is an opportunity to make a good impression.
• Every year, there are new football players or players who want to try it out. Having a free camp allows kids to give football a try.
• Making this camp fun and upbeat appeals to players and parents.
• This is a nice tune-up for coaches. Most coaches haven’t coached since last November.

Operation

• Set up four to five drill stations, depending on how many players attend: bag agility, 3-cone, 4-cone, shuttle and relay races for fun. 
• Have two coaches managing each drill station. Divide kids up by age. 
• Coaches need to be upbeat. Have fun.
• If you have an abundance of kids at each station, set the drill twice right next to each other. Kids standing around isn't productive, and they will become bored. 
• Prepare. Meet with coaches and board members and plan this camp out – marketing, operations and overall objectives of the camp. The last thing you want to do is to look disorganized in front of parents and players. 
• Getting free shirts created for the kids who attend the camp is a nice touch. 

Check out USA Football’s FUNdamentals camps for more ideas

Jeff Hemhauser is the co-founder of Youth Football Online.