Schwartz: A Fun Football Camp For Kids On Long Island

By Peter Schwartz
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One of the great things about the game of football is that there are many different ways for kids to participate and have fun.

They could play youth tackle football, flag football or just a neighborhood game of two-hand touch. Regardless of what level a child is at, it's important to learn the fundamentals of the game and have fun doing it. And it doesn't hurt to get a tip or two from some guys who have been there and done that.

The third annual Big Daddy Youth Football Camp on Long Island is perfect for any child ages 6 to 18 who loves football, whether it's the youth player getting the rust off for the new season, the youngster who might be new to football or a kid who just wants a chance to learn a thing or two from some very special guest instructors.

The three-day, noncontact camp takes place June 27-29 on the stadium turf field at the Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale, with each session running from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The camp is presented in conjunction with Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Nassau County Parks and Recreation.

Launched in 2014, the camp was founded by Richard "Big Daddy" Salgado, the president of Coastal Advisors, whose client list is a who's who of current and retired players from the NFL and the entire sports world. He played football at New Hyde Park High School on Long Island and the University of Maryland, so this camp is very important to him.

"I wanted to find a way to give back to the children of Nassau County and the rest of Long Island," said Salgado. "Since Long Island doesn't have any pro football teams, I'm bringing back players from teams all over as well as some guest coaches."

"Big Daddy" has once again taken advantage of his Rolodex to bring in some familiar names to help out with the camp.

Past instructors included former NFL quarterback Neil O'Donnell, current Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, former Jets safety Erik Coleman and current Jets defensive end Mike Catapano. There have also been other special guests from around the football world who have served as guest speakers.

This year's guest instructor list includes current Giants offensive lineman Justin Pugh, former Jets fullback Tony Richardson, former Giants and Jets punter Steve Weatherford and current Houston Texans offensive line coach Mike Devlin. All of the coaches and guest instructors will work with the campers during drills and will also share their stories and experiences.

For the second straight year, Salgado's younger brother, Jim Salgado, will run the camp.

"Jim is so organized, and I can trust him 100 percent to bring our camp to greater heights year by year," said Salgado.

A former three-year starting cornerback at Hofstra, Jim is currently the co-defensive coordinator at Princeton. He's also participated in multiple NFL coaching fellowships, including with the Giants last summer.

"I'm very excited to work with the kids on Long Island and promote the greatest game our country has to offer," said the younger Salgado. "Our campers will continue to learn all positions on both sides of the ball, play some competitive games and learn to compete in all that they do."

Jim has assembled a staff of area high school and college coaches to work with the kids and will also sprinkle in the expertise of the guest coaches, including Giants assistant offensive line coach Lunda Wells and former NFL defensive end Sean Jones.

The kids who attend the camp reap the benefits of learning from both the coaches on the staff as well as individuals who have made it to the highest levels of the game.

"The kids will learn the proper fundamentals, techniques and skill sets needed to improve their game and have a lot of fun doing it," said Jim. "To have the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the greatest to ever play the game is an amazing experience."

While learning about the game of football is the priority at the camp, the on-field portion is not the only thing that the kids will experience.

All of the participating campers will receive some special perks like water bottles and other items from Modell's Sporting Goods, a cookie with the camp logo from Selfie Cookies, water from Arizona Ice Tea and Beverage Company, a burger feast from F. Ottomanelli's Burger Shop and a pizza party from Umberto's of New Hyde Park.

"Our local sponsors get involved to support our camp and staff," Richard Salgado said.

Football is a great game, and there's no shortage of ways for kids to have fun playing it. Whether it's an organized youth football game or just having some fun with friends in the backyard, it's important to learn the basic fundamentals of the sports. Youngsters who attend the Big Daddy Youth Football Camp will gain that experience and have plenty of fun in the process.

For more information about the camp and to register your child, visit www.BigDaddyFootball.com. You can also download the health and consent forms and bring them to camp starting at 4 p.m. on the first day.

Don't forget to follow Pete on Twitter at @pschwartzcbsfan. You can also follow Richard Salgado @CoastalAdvisors and Jim Salgado @CoachSalgado.