Numbers Nearing Record High for Bridgeport Indians Football Camp as Organizers Hoping to See More
By Jeff Toquinto on June 01, 2018 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Another sign that the football season is right corner and that the end of the school year is at hand has arrived. The Third Annual Bridgeport Indians Football Camp has been scheduled and is right around the corner.
The event is a one-day camp. It will be held June 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with registration beginning that morning at 9:30 a.m.
The camp is open to youngsters from the age of 5 up to the age of 14. Last year, nearly 70 athletes from Bridgeport and beyond took part in the camp and Travis Jones, who heads up the Friends of Bridgeport Football, said he hopes to see as many or more this year. As of early this week, more than 60 kids had signed up.
“We’re hoping for a big crowd and last year was the biggest year. We know we’ll hit our ceiling eventually, but we’ve got room for plenty more youth and we’d love to have another record turnout,” said Jones.
The five-hour camp that will be led by Bridgeport football Coach John Cole is equal parts instruction and fun. Jones said the goal is to show the kids key components of the game and the joy that comes with playing the game.
“First and foremost it’s a day of fun and it’s a good experience as the youngsters get to work with the varsity coaching staff,” said Jones. “Since it is taking place during the (three-week summer) instructional period, they also get to interact with the entire varsity football team.”
Along with those helping out with the camp, there will be others. The first two years have saw several former Indians players, including some playing college football, show up and help out.
“They’re going to get instruction in non-contact drills and have plenty of work stations. There’s also a lot of competition, but the goal is to 
make sure everyone has fun,” said Jones.
make sure everyone has fun,” said Jones.
Jones said the highlight of the camp that has emerged in the tug-of-war contest. While the campers take part in their own versions, it’s when they get most excited seeing the current players and those from the past going up against the existing coaching staff.
The camp is one of three fundraisers the Friends of Bridgeport Football holds annually. The other two events is the Reppert-Jamison-Reep Memorial Golf Tournament and the Steak Fry.
“This event provides us the opportunity to raise money for the boosters and help with needs from the freshman football team, to the junior varsity team and the varsity team,” said Jones. “There are also certain areas where funds are dedicated.”
Dollars raised pays for the scholarships offered annually in honor of Mary Reppert, Wayne Jamison and Bob Reep. It also provides funding to cover the costs of the apparel for the coaching staff. It also handles many items that may come up during the year such as replacing a broken headset for a member of the coaching staff.
“We also use funds each year to try and do a facility improvement project at the fieldhouse,” said Jones. “There are several people may have noticed.”
Jones said the logo netting that’s been installed in front of the bleachers was paid for by the funds. Other projects include new locker room graphics, a countdown clock inside the field house for each opponent, while plans are in place to do new facility signs on the exterior of the building by fall.
Pre-registration is complete. However, you can still register the day of the camp. Individuals need to CLICK HERE for a registration form, fill it out and bring it with them. T-shirts cannot be guaranteed a this point, but youth will still be able to take part in a fun day of camp.
Attending the session will cost $40. Lunch will be provided.
Editor's Note: Photos from last year's camp, including top photo showing Coach John Cole, by www.benqueenphotography.com.
