TORRINGTON – Akili Smith and Reuben Droughns, two former NFL players, spent the weekend running a football camp in conjunction with Brave C.A.T.S. and the Akili Smith Foundation for area youth at the Sports Complex.
“It’s all about giving back,” Smith, the No. 3 overall pick from the 1999 NFL Draft, said. “We want to give back to these kids and teach the importance of discipline.”
On Saturday, the kids and guest coaches, along with volunteer coaches, spent their time running through football drills and making sure the more than 30 kids that attended the camp understood the basics of football.
Sunday was more specific to positions. Smith, who played four years in the NFL as a quarterback, worked with the youth quarterbacks in attendance. Droughns, an eight-year pro including three years with the Denver Broncos, worked with the wide receivers and running backs.
“I’m going to push you,” Droughns said. “Just because you’re six or seven years old, if you are out on this football field, I’m going to push you to the best of your ability. When I’m out here it’s just enjoyable.”
During both days, effort was a big factor that both Smith and Droughns kept an eye on.
“If you make a mistake, make a mistake going full speed,” Smith said. “What we can’t have happen is them out there lollygagging around doing things half speed because that’s basically effort and coaches hate coaching effort.”
Each of the youth participants had an opportunity for pictures with the pros, as well as getting autographs. The kids also got a medal and certificate and awards were given to some of the top campers, as voted on by the coaches.
On top of lending their talents to the area youth, Smith and Droughns spent time delving into Torrington. They had a meet and greet at the Broncho Grillhouse, watched some MMA fights at the Elk’s Lodge and even took in some pig wrestling at the Goshen County Fair.
“Everybody welcomed us with open arms,” Smith said. “There was a lot of hand shakes and we met a lot of people. It’s just good to be a part of a community like this.”
Both Smith and Droughns plan to keep the football camp going in Torrington for years to come. This was the first year for the camp, but the duo plan to make it a tradition in Torrington each summer.
“We are going to continue to try and get this to grow and continue to get surrounding communities around here to come into Torrington and support the cause we are doing here with Brave C.A.T.S.,” Droughns said.
