Northern Durham head coach Anthony Sullivan instructs a youth football player during the 1st Annual Golden Knights Football Camp (June 24, 2009)
Jun 24, 2009
DURHAM — The Northern Durham football team is hosting the 1st Annual Golden Knights Football Camp this week, a camp that they hope to build up over time.
On Wednesday, a group of about 20 youth football players joined members of the Northern football team and coaching staff. It was the third day of the four day camp.
Northern head coach Anthony Sullivan, who has hosted other youth football camps before, said he hopes to reignite the buzz about Northern football while helping future high school players get better.
"We're trying to redevelop the excitement around Northern football," Sullivan said. "We know that the history and tradition of Northern football goes back decades, and there's a lot of people in this community who have been real excited about this program, and we're trying to get that back."
"These are kids that will hopefully be in our program one day and be excited about it then," said Sullivan. "At the camp the kids that come out to watch us on Friday nights get to know our coaches and players on a one-on-one basis."
Sullivan, members of his coaching staff, and Northern players have been working at the camp all week. Former Northern quarterback Andrew Peacock, who will play at Appalachian State next season, also made an appearance.
"[Peacock] talked about his journey and how he got to the point where he is now, playing college football," Sullivan said.
Sullivan believes it is "vital" for high school programs to help youth players as much as possible.
"It's scratching the back of those that are going to be scratching your back. If you want them to support you on Friday night, then there's nothing better than to reach out to them when you can and do what you can for them," said Sullivan. "It's one thing to wave at the kids on a Friday night from the field, but it's another thing to take the kids out on the field, work with them one-on-one, and try to make them a better player and a better person."
Since Sullivan took over as the head football coach last year, he has put the Northern football team in the community.
Last October, the team worked with a local church and the N.C. Food Bank to distribute food to those who are less fortunate.
"We want to give back as much as we can," Sullivan said.
Sullivan expects to hold the camp again next year, possibly with multiple sessions, and he hopes to grow the number of participants over time.
"I've done camps before, and I know from experience that the longer you do them, the more kids you will have come out," he said.
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