It is going to take six years, but an event in Bridgeport that was beginning to become a tradition at Wayne Jamison Field will have its fifth anniversary.

 

On July 10, Wayne Jamison Field will once again be the site of the Indians 2021 Football Youth Camp. The camp, for those ages 5 to 14, will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Last year, the “Voice of the Indians” Travis Jones, broke the news the event was canceled. As was the case with most everything wiped out in 2020, it was due to COVID-19.

 

“We were in the middle of the pandemic, and it was still questionable what you could and couldn’t do outside safely, and you had restrictions on the size of gatherings as well,” said Jones. “It was hard because we have built this into an event that was growing, and something being looked forward to. In 2019, we had the highest attendance ever and felt good about the momentum for a stable event every summer.

 

“We’ll be looking for another good crowd, but that’s secondary at the moment,” he continued. “We’re just excited that it’s back.”

 

For those excited their children will be able to participate, registration has begun. Along with being able to register through this story (link below), Jones said any child competing in Bridgeport Youth Football last year will be receiving a letter with the registration form.

 

“If you do not see the letter, we’re utilizing Connect-Bridgeport as a way to get the word out as well or for anyone that wants to go ahead and register. We also hope to reach incoming Bridgeport Youth Football players in their first year or someone going out for the Pee Wee or Midget teams for the first time,” said Jones.

 

Jones said the camp is typically BYF players and Bridgeport kids. However, a handful of participants each year are from outside the feeder system.

 

“You do not have to be in the Bridgeport youth system to participate,” said Jones. “Anyone is welcome to attend.”

 

What can those attending expect?

 

“It’s a day of fun with football mixed in. There will be drills for everyone from linemen to the backs at drill stations,” said Jones. “Kids will be running the ball, catching it, and doing drills in a non-contact setting. We’ll also end it with a balloon toss and a tug of war. It will be a lot of fun.”

 

Those participating can wear t-shirts, shorts, and cleats. Tennis shoes are fine to wear as well, said Jones.

 

Members of the Bridgeport High School football coaching staff will lead the camp along with BYF coaches. Jones said current and former Tribe football players will take part, and he said organizers are working on landing a “special surprise guest.”

 

The cost of the camp is $40 and include lunch. T-shirts will be guaranteed in the camper’s desired size if registering before June 21. After that, there is no guarantee. Same-day registration will also take place at the field and individuals, including those pre-registered, should arrive by 9:30 a.m.

 

Click HERE for the registration form.

 

Editor's Note: Photos from the 2019 camp by Ben Queen Photography.