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Byron Jones, all the way to the left, poses with youth football players during his fourth annual Byron Jones Camp in New Britain, Connecticut
Byron Jones, all the way to the left, poses with youth football players during his fourth annual Byron Jones Camp in New Britain, Connecticut
NEW BRITAIN — The fourth annual Byron Jones youth football camp for young boys and girls aged 10-15 took place at Osgood Park in New Britain on Saturday afternoon.
With a perfect day of low 80’s and sunshine the former St. Paul multi sport standout and Dallas Cowboy/Miami Dolphin All-Pro cornerback along with many local coaches began exercising on improving the talents of possible future high school and college hopefuls.
Over 75 participants were clad in Raiders black shirts and many youngsters were wearing newly bought gloves to catch that pass from the talented staff from various high schools and Central Connecticut State University or maybe set a “PR” in the 40 yard dash.
This is one of the few times that pizza took a back seat to the multi-drill session that the next four hours had waiting for the over energized youths from the AYF [American Youth Football] , and PAL [Police Athletic League] to improve their skill sets via instruction from the former all pro.
There was the “pass and catch”, along with kicking field goals, kids running pass routes, and more as many had laid awake at night dreaming of these moments.
The very humble 31 year old surmised after the event when asked about the talent level witnessed.
“It is nice to see this turnout, and when I was young I wasn’t the best, nor the fastest, I think we have some future stars here,” Jones said. “They [participants] will grow and evolve, I am excited for them.”
Jones, himself a UConn grad, was extremely grateful for the CCSU football players who volunteered their time and skills.
“To have college players be communitive means a lot to these kids,” Jones said.
Also present for this extreme positive community affair was Isaiah Boddie, the award winning New Britain High School Football coach and CCSU alum. Boddie had his staff on hand to assist in the many events. Coach Boddie spoke highly of Jones, stating that Jones’ camp helps bring the community together for a great cause.
“Byron puts on a great camp in giving his time and energy back to high schools and the city of New Britain,” said Boddie. There are many coaches here from various youth leagues and schools, we all come together as a family, as a community, to help the kids get better in moving forward. We are here to help out Byron and assist in the utilization of his time in giving back.”
Jones was intent on having each and every youth partake in the numerous events as the field was divided properly and the coaches had their assignments and the kids were off smiling and high fiving as the drills brought accomplishments and some ‘drops’ – but they were there, that was the mainstream.
Again the St. Paul alum stresses education, for the backs of the Raiders shirts stated: “Read-Learn-Grow.”
The operative word is “community.” It started four years ago with Byron Jones and continues in 2024.
The reasoning is simplistic as Jones states: “I care so much about the kids, I want this to be fun and exciting for all.”
In concluding there were prizes in age brackets for first, second, and third. Said prizes consisted of nominal gift cards for Playstation along with speakers, headsets, tablets and more.
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