Scholarships
NO MATTER a family’s financial situation, Pro Football Camp® believes every child should have the opportunity to pursue their athletic dreams. Thanks to generous support from local businesses and donors, Pro Football Camp provides youth football scholarships for children ages 7-14 who may not otherwise be able to afford camp.
“At Pro Football Camp, we want all young athletes to have the opportunity to learn from current and former NFL athletes who teach skills both on and off the field,” said Associate Executive Director Heidi Welge.
The Pro Football Camp Scholarship Program offers both partial and full scholarships based on financial need, helping make youth football more accessible to families across Colorado Springs and beyond. Over the camp’s 19-year history, more than 1,600 young athletes have benefited from scholarship support.
“That’s probably the biggest thing for the camp — making sure everyone has the opportunity to come. I didn’t have that kind of opportunity when I was a kid.” Lorne “Mac” MacDonald, physical therapist and owner of Colorado Institute of Sports Medicine, added.
A significant portion of scholarship recipients come through community partnerships with organizations such as Hope & Home, local school districts and the Boys & Girls Club, while others learn about Pro Football Camp through word of mouth across the Colorado Springs area.
The experience young athletes receive at Pro Football Camp® includes instruction from current and former NFL athletes through “Off the Field with the Pros” character development sessions. NFL athlete coaches lead the sessions three times each camp day, focusing on core values like respect, hard work, leadership and perseverance. Camp organizers say the sessions are designed to reinforce lessons that extend beyond football. Because athletes are engaging directly with NFL players, those lessons often carry added weight. In a 2018 survey of participants’ parents, 73.08% reported a moderate to strong improvement in their child’s attitude after three days at Pro Football Camp.
Support for Pro Football Camp® comes in several different forms, including community partners that help make the experience possible for athletes and families. Some partners provide meals for campers and families, including Back East Bar and Grill, Quench, Chuy's and Salsa Brava. Others, like Colorado Springs Sports Corps, Springs Dentistry, Classic Homes, Hope Homes and Amos make financial contributions. Additional partners contribute services. BodCraft supplies athletic apparel for athletes and staff. Jarvis Harrod provides speed and agility training during camp. The Colorado Institute of Sports Medicine provides medical support and first aid. A key portion of partner support helps fund the camp’s scholarship program, which allows more youth athletes to attend regardless of financial need. Organizers say many partners are drawn to the camp because of its impact on youth athletes and the Colorado Springs community.