The Phoenix Initiative hosted its second annual Tommie “Keyman” Robinson Youth Football Camp on July 9th. The camp took place at Central High School in Phenix City. It was an opportunity for young athletes, ages 6 – 12, to receive free football and cheerleading instruction. The number of campers doubled from the year prior.
Tommie Robinson, current Texas A&M running backs coach was the head coach for the camp. The Phoenix Initiative arranged for current NFL players Justyn Ross of the Kansas City Chiefs and J.D. McKissic of the Washington Commanders to be star coaches. The campers also received help from college athletes John Reese Bellew of Auburn University and Ray Thorton of the University of South Florida. Patrick Nix, former Auburn quarterback and Central High’s Head Coach and Mayor Eddie Lowe, former Canadian Football League and University of Alabama standout, also played a role in coaching. The Columbus State University Cheer Squad coached the cheerleaders.
The camp provided a productive activity for the children while getting them up and moving. The morning started off with position-based drills and technical skills for the football players. The cheerleaders worked on learning basic cheers and chants. With an unexpected rain delay, the campers gathered in Central High’s indoor facility to hear NFL players J.D. Mckissic and Justyn Ross share their stories of success. The campers listened attentively, eager to participate and ask questions of their own. The cheerleaders performed their newly learned cheers during lunch for the rest of the campers and volunteers.
The Phoenix Initiative provides local children with literacy programs to help empower the community. The goal is to promote education and build a better future for the children in the community. Giving these campers someone to look up to as a role model can assist with their development and future.
Attorney Nick Jackson and Marketing Director Brittnee Gray are members of the board of The Phoenix Initiative and dedicated their time to planning the camp. Attorney Ben Finley played a large role in the organization of the camp. Attorney Kirk Reid, Brandi Nesbitt, Kacey Hartmann, and Sierra Berry of The Finley Firm, P.C., also dedicated their time to volunteering and planning.