STAFF REPORT

Approximately 100 children from Charlotte, DeSoto and Sarasota counties, ranging from age 6 to 14, experienced the opportunity to learn the skills of football in a safe and fun environment at the annual Port Charlotte Pirates Youth Football Camp.

The 2008 Pirate Youth Football Camp provided the youth with fundamental football instruction and important life lessons during the camp held July 15 to 17.

“Success is a byproduct of what you do and how you do it,” said Dave Hoffer, head football coach for the Pirates. “Our mission is to develop successful student-athletes distinguished by principles of great character, academic excellence, and public service.”

Camp participants were taught these lessons along with the importance of work ethic, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

The coaching staff was comprised of the Pirate Football staff and other guests with a multitude of experience, including former NFL players Rhondy Weston and Pirate alum John Hall; former FSU, CFL, and AFL defensive back Tommy Henry; former UF running back and Pirate alumnus Ernie Dubose; former Michigan State lineman and Pirate alumnus Joe Toth; several Pirate alumni who currently play football in college: Carson Bowman (Webber), Ketler Calixte (Tusculum), Jordan Ingman (Wofford), Greg Mandile (Lafayette), and Jason Wood (Jacksonville); Pirate alumnus Alex Pierre; and several members of the Pirate football team.