Star presence helped kick off registration for the second annual Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Football Camp, which will be held May 6, 2017, at Lee Hedges Stadium at Captain Shreve High School.

An opening press conference Monday, April 24, 2017, featured former Arkansas Razorbacks and Evangel star Ramon Broadway, who joined Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart Sr. and Caddo Parish Schools Superintendent Dr. Lamar Goree in boosting advance pre-registration for the free camp. That pre-registration continues through Friday, April 28, 2017.

“I never got a chance,” Broadway said of the free camp designed to teach youngsters the value of teamwork, safety and skill. “I jumped on this with (Judge) James Stewart. He brought me into sports, and when he wanted me to team up with him, I felt so blessed. This is the important age to focus on athletics. This is key, that we’re getting kids at such a young age.”

Stewart noted the camp is possible due to the support of corporate benefactors and the support of the public. Benefactors include title sponsor Amerihealth Caritas, El Dorado Casino and Hotel and Willis-Knighton Health System.

Broadway and Stewart both noted the willingness of the players to donate their time to help with the free camp. In addition to Broadway, who helped organize this camp and its debut last year, participants include Baltimore Ravens quarterback and former Texas High star Ryan Mallett, Dallas Cowboys running back Darren McFadden, Jacksonville Jaguars running back and former Longview High star Chris Ivory, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Knile Davis, New England Patriots defensive end and Super Bowl hero Trey Flowers, former Grambling State University quarterback Brandon Landers and former Green Bay Packer, Haynesville High and Louisiana Tech star Doug Evans.

“These guys have a huge heart,” Broadway said. “It’s expensive to run these camps.”

The payoff isn’t just in improved playing skills for the youth who take part, Stewart said.

“This is part of our pre-emptive program, designed to gets kids into activities that keep them active, out of the criminal justice system and in school,” Stewart said. “In the long run it will help society as a whole. It’s a fun time, but we appreciate the fact that athletes with NFL connections come back to give back to the community at no charge, and also that the high school coaches are willing to take their free time and work with kids who would not normally get these type of activities. The kids learn a lot. They work together and learn how to cooperate with each other. Even if they don’t end up as an NFL quarterback or NFL players, they learn the value of teamwork and getting along.”

Goree noted that almost 500 youngsters took part last year and that the goal is to welcome more this year.

“We see this as an opportunity for our students to have on-the-field instruction from not only our current high school coaches but even more excitingly, some present and past NFL football players,” he said.

The camp will take place from 8 a.m. to noon and is open to children ages 6 to 17. The Captain Shreve High School gym will open at 7 a.m. for registrants on May 6. All who pre-registered will receive a T-shirt and lunch will be provided.

Additionally, a pediatrician and a pediatric dentist will be on site  to answer health questions.

While the event is free, participants must bring their own cleated footwear and register in advance through the website https://www.caddodayouthcamp.com. Later registration is limited and is on a first-come first-served basis.