For the first time in its history, Marine Corps Base Quantico hosted a flag football camp.

On July 22-26, more than a dozen children ages 5 to 12 years old registered to participate in the event, hosted by Athletes Global Sports Academy.

“My children always wanted to try flag football,” said Marj Adams, Marine spouse. “They’re getting a lot of good exercise and the coaches are motivated.”

Coaches Troy Cheatham, lead athletic trainer with Athletes Global Sports Academy, and Darnell West, coach/coordinator, taught the mixed-gender group, focusing on fundamentals and technique of the game.

 “We are stressing speed, agility, catching, eye/hand coordination and the fundamentals of the game,” said West. “The main thing is teaching the kids the game of football.”

The coaches used methods such as running drills and throwing/punting practices to familiarize the students with the concepts of football.

“Some of these kids can’t play football until middle school or high school,” said West. “This camp gives them an opportunity.”

The coaches also appreciate the parental support they have found from the parents.

“We have had a good reception with the parents,” said Cheatham. “We have felt the parents’ confidence in us as they have felt comfortable dropping off their kids for three hours a day. That makes us feel good.”

Even with the hot temperatures and high humidity, parents were excited to have the camp available for their children.

“The coaches know the boundaries in the heat,” said Yvonne Racey, mother of two camp participants and a trainer at the Barber Physical Activities Center. “The camps are always good.”

There are still soccer and basketball camps available in addition to regular Youth Sports Leagues. Contact the Youth Sports Office at 703-784-9756 or 703-432-6238 for information.

Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil