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NFL Players Return to Help First-Ever GVSU Youth Camp

Posted at 4:00 PM, Jun 21, 2013
and last updated 2013-06-21 16:00:43-04

ALLENDALE, Mich. — Some of the best GVSU players around showed up for the first-ever GVSU youth football camp today in Allendale.

NFL players and former GVSU stars Brandon Carr (Cowboys), Cameron Bradfield (Jaguars), Dan Skuta (49ers), and Nick McDonald (Patriots) took part in teaching young athletes the basics of football at Lubbers Stadium.

“No-brainer (to take part in the event), it’s absolutely great to come back here,” said McDonald. “It’s great to come back and give back to the community. I love this place. I love coming back and doing what I can.”

The camp involved 250 children between the ages of 8-12 from the Grand Rapids and Holland Boys and Girls Club and was sponsored by Amway.

“Right now is our 10-year anniversary of our ‘One by One Campaign For Children,'” said David Madiol, Amway Manager of West Michigan community relations. “So this was another great thing for us to invest in the potential of kids and the community.”

Along with the NFL players, the campers were instructed by current GVSU players and coaching staff including head coach Matt Mitchell. The camp involved 8-10 different stations that included a nutritional station that was hosted by Amway.

For Cameron Bradfield, a Grand Rapids native and Creston alum, his history of seeing GVSU give back is a big reason why he came back to this alma mater today. “I remember when I was younger going to Eric Lynch’s (camp),” said Bradfield. “He’s a GV alum as well. I remember going to his camps when I was younger at Houseman Field.”

The tradition of giving back is something GVSU and it’s players take pride in and showcase with events like this camp. “It’s the same tradition that pretty much got me to come here as a senior in high school,” said Brandon Carr. “I just felt that the atmosphere was different around here and to this day it’s the same way. I was happy that I’d have a chance to comeback this offseason.”

The camp is a one day event and it was closed to the public. GVSU hopes to turn the camp into an annual event.