The thunderstorm storm that morning didn’t dampen their enthusiasm. Two hundred kids, from eight to eighteen, were rushing, kicking, punting, passing, blocking and tackling...future Pro Bowl’rs learning how to play the game from the pros. And, most importantly, they’re learning how discipline and hard work impact every part of their lives including academics.

    All of this is thanks to Number 40, Tampa Bay Buccaneer Mike Alstott and his staff of pro and college players. Alstott started his camp when he joined the Bucs nine years ago.“The importance of playing in a team atmosphere is preparation for everything they do in life.” says Alstott. Once a year, young athletes, boys and girls, come to camp at the Tampa Skyway Complex. Strength training, speed and agility are emphasized in the non-contact program. Campers are grouped according to age and rotate through defense and offense fundamentals during the morning sessions. Touch football games are played in the afternoon to practice new-found skills. Between sessions, coaches lecture nutrition, steroid and drug use, self-discipline and academics. You must have the grades to play, to get into college.

    All Sports is a proud sponsor of the Alstott Football Camp. For the past five years, Tyrone Keys and his staff have recruited college players, some All Sports alumni who were once campers themselves, to motivate the young athletes. They act as coaches or assistants, but more often than not, become role models for the students.The kids see themselves in these successful college athletes and believe that they too can walk in their shoes.

    One of those college players is Ollie Hoyt, now a student and linebacker at NC State. With patience and a good-natured sense of humor, Ollie instructs his “offensive line” on the fine details of getting set on the line of scrimmage. “I enjoy working with the kids at the Alstott Camp,” Ollie acknowledged. “It’s important for me to do this. I know there’s someone here who, with a little help, will be a success, maybe go to college on a football scholarship.The possibilities are endless, I can attest to that.”

    Next year will be the tenth anniversary of the Alstott Football Camp as well as Mike’s tenth year in the NFL. With Alstott as their inspiration, young athletes take from camp the importance of a positive attitude and maximum effort in all facets of their lives.