2002 New Orleans Saints Youth Football Camp On Saturday, April 13, 2002, PlaySmart sponsored a football clinic for seventy middle school boys from three New Orleans Public Schools. This camp built on the success of last year’s camp. The National Football League’s (http://www.nfl.com) New Orleans Saints (http://www.neworleanssaints.com), the Fellowship Foundation and PlaySmart all teamed up to run the full-day clinic, which was held at the New Orleans Saints practice facility. The clinic featured drills designed to teach specific football skills. Each camper threw the football as a quarterback, tackled like a linebacker and kicked field goals and extra points on special teams. In addition to the football lessons, the kids learned more important lessons about hard work, sportsmanship and the importance of academics. Joe Baker, a Vice President for PlaySmart (and New Orleans Saints Assistant Coach) taught the kids the important role education plays in determining the number of opportunities available in a person’s life. Joe also taught the kids that even professional athletes have to be studious by showing them the offensive playbook for the New Orleans Saints – which is a 5 inch think binder! The players are required to learn every page in the book. The Saints owner, Tom Benson, also addressed the kids. Mr. Benson, a retired U.S. Navy officer, impressed upon the kids how important it is that they are successful in life, because they represent the future of our country. Kenny Smith, Saints Defensive Tackle, also spoke to the kids. Kenny emphasized the importance of making good decisions in life. In his talk, Kenny focused mainly on the importance of going to school, doing homework, and staying away from drugs. Overall, the camp was a huge success. The kids had a great time and, we think, improved their game on and off the field.