Shaun Hill Football Camp to be held in July

PARSONS, Kan. -- On July 13-15, from 9 a.m. to Noon each day, the Parsons Police Officers Association will be hosting the Shaun Hill Youth Football Camp at the Parsons High School, Parsons, Kan.

Parsons native Shaun Hill is currently in the NFL as the San Francisco 49ers quarterback. He has been involved with the youth football camp since 2004. The PPOA Youth Football Camp actually formed a year earlier when local Police Officers taught basic skills.

"While on duty, I ran into Shaun while on a medical call," said Sgt. Neil Springer. Hill was assisting a neighbor who had fallen at the time. After the emergency, Springer shared information regarding the football camp to Hill and the "Shaun Hill Youth Football Camp" was born.

Each year the camp has grown, and 2009 will be no different. Throughout the years, the camp has guest instructors such as James Caver of the Detroit Lions and Heavyweight Kick Boxing Champion of the World, Nick "The Punisher" Phillips. In addition, players from Universities including Pittsburg State University and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, area community colleges, and regional high school coaches.

Parsons High School Vikings Football Coaches and players have joined the Youth Camp and will plan and lead camp drills.

The 2009 camp will feature offensive and defensive drills, specials teams work, and the Shaun Hill Obstacle Course Challenge on the final day. The Challenge is pro-styled and encompasses several of the drills that they have learned. Participants will compete against others in their respective age groups for awards. In addition, a Camp MVP will be named by the coaches.

According to Sgt. Springer, this award is give to the participant with the most heart and attentiveness. Behavior is also a considering factor. He stressed that the MVP is, "not based on athletic ability." The camp registration fee is $20 if received by July 10. After that date, the cost rises to $25 per participant. Sign ups are allowed on the first day of camp at the $25 rate. Coaches and participants will receive a T-shirt for participating in this year's camp. Participants are expected to wear athletic clothing, but due to a field-use agreement, no cleats will be allowed.

Sponsors of this year's camp include Bleacher Gear, the Medicine Shoppe, Cable One, Wal-Mart, City of Parsons and Labette County Tourism.

The PPOA is a fundraising group that is made up of employees from the Parsons Police Department that helps to sponsor youth activities, athletics, and assist with officers' welfare. Their sponsorship of this annual event directly supports the community oriented policing initiatives of the Parsons Police Department. For more information contact Sgt. Neil Springer at the Parsons Police Department at (620) 421-7060 or send an e-mail to nspringer@parsonsks.com.