NFL camp comes to County

    PRESQUE ISLE — Local high school football players will focus on character development and specific skill training when the National Football League’s High School Player Development (HSPD) program comes to Aroostook County with an all position football camp June 11-12. All programs are free and football players from all area high schools who are entering grades 9-12 (no exceptions) are invited to attend.
    Since its inception in 2001, the NFL’s nationwide HSPD program has provided participants with a curriculum that focuses on inspiring excellence in the classroom, community, and on the playing field.
    The program is free for students and participation in the program is expected to include more than 15,000 high schoolers in 29 states nationwide. The character development portion includes skilled speakers, practical life lessons, preparation for standardized tests and discussions on life after high school. This part of the program will be on Friday evening, June 11, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in Folsom 105 on the UMPI campus
    This year, members of the National Guard will also participate in the HSPD sessions, supporting coaches on site and speaking to young people about personal development and community service.
    Each player receives an HSPD Student Planner, complete with weekly and monthly calendars, NCAA initial eligibility requirements, SAT information and time management instruction.
    On-field components of the HSPD program include fundamental skill development by position, reviews, and individual competitions. As part of on-field training, players focus on both an offensive and a defensive position, and eventually apply their newly-learned fundamentals to live drills. Participants have access to innovative teaching and drills developed by leading NCAA and NFL coaches. This phase of the program will be held at Sincock Field in Caribou on Saturday, June 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 6 p.m.
    HSPD player registration information has been sent to Aroostook Football high school coaches in the area. The HSPD Medical Form and Waiver Form (absolutely required at your own cost for participation) can be obtained by contacting: Stu Wyckoff, Central Aroostook Huskies, at 764-7651; Brian Reynolds, Southern Aroostook Knights, at 694-0092; or Vince Sirois, Northern Aroostook Mustangs, at 316-7370.