By Steph Wood
C3F
Special to The Tidewater News

COURTLAND
The sixth annual Cover 3 Youth Football and Cheer Camp was a huge success.

Eighty-five campers participated in football and 35 participated in cheering. The camp was directed by Southampton County native and Commissioner of the C3YFCL Greg Scott. Additional assistance was provided by a combination of 13 C3YFCL representatives and coaches, Hampton University’s Coach Gary Lowery along with seven Hampton University football players and an additional Hampton assistant. Cheerleaders were led by Malani Mitchell of the Hampton University athletics program, her assistant and two C3YFCL coaches. A total of 35 volunteers attended.

The C3YFCL Camp was held on Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Southampton High School football field and in the Southampton Middle School gym. Cloudy skies and bursts of rain were not enough to keep participants from learning all that they could. All directors and volunteers worked with passion and energy despite the weather challenges.

“I am thrilled about the amount of participation in the camp,” said Scott. “I am thankful for the Cover 3 staff, volunteers and parents who came out to contribute to such a great event. I am looking forward to next year’s camp.”

Sponsored by the NFL Foundation and Cover 3 Foundation the camp was open to the public and welcomed walk-up registrations. After lunch was provided by C3 Kid’s Meals, participants enjoyed several friendly, flag football competitions while coaches, other assistants and spectators cheered them on. Cheerleaders broke off to work inside the gymnasium at Southampton Middle School away from the elements.

“It was my first time coaching with Cover 3 and I really enjoyed it, participation was great, and I learned from the kids as they learned from me,” said Mitchell.

Members of the Southampton County Sheriff’s Department were on hand for event control and support. Additionally, members of Courtland Rescue were available to assist with any medical needs. Southampton Middle School Principal Darian Bell and Assistant Principal Susan Melbye attended and participated in the camp, as well as staff members from the Southampton High School football program. Many parents stayed to observe the camp.

League registration is open for board members, assistant coaches and volunteers for the 2015 Youth Football and Cheer League season. Registration to participate in the League will be every Monday through Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. at the Cover 3 Foundation, 125 S. College Drive, Franklin.

Registration will also be held on May 23 in Holland at the City of Suffolk’s Holland Park, 6720 Ruritan Blvd. from 9 a.m. to noon; on June 6, registration will be held at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, Grays Shop Road, Newsoms, from 9 a.m. to noon. There will also be a Saturday registration on June 20 at the Foundation headquarters from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration deadline for all coaches is June 1 and for players is June 30.

The Cover 3 Youth Football and Cheer League is accepting sponsorships and donations for the 2015 season. If you are interested in sponsoring the program or making a donation towards a local team, please visit www.cover3foundation.org for more information. Sponsorship packages are available by emailing a request to info@cover3foundation.org.