BLACKSBURG, Va., April 18, 2011 - Former Virginia Tech running back and

National Football League standout Kevin Jones is teaming up with Virginia Tech

Recreational Sports to host the Kevin Jones Football Camp.

Local youth are invited to participate in the two-day camp on June 25 and 26 at

the Virginia Tech South Recreation Area fields.

Ages 6-10 participate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and ages 11-17 participate from 9

a.m. to 3 p.m. All skill levels are welcome. A portion of the proceeds will

benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Virginia.

Participants will learn from classroom seminars and on-the-field instruction.

Jones, among other NFL athletes and local coaches, will provide the experience

of a real NFL training camp to young participants. The campers will break into

groups according to positions to learn the fundamentals and proper techniques

specific to each position. Campers will also participate in health and wellness

seminars and team-building activities.

"Participants will learn about more than just football," said Robyn Jones, wife

of Kevin Jones. "They will be taught about teamwork, the importance of

self-discipline and education, and how to attain their potential in sports and

in life."

Kevin Jones of Chester, Pa., was the highest-rated recruit in Virginia Tech

history. He is now a local football celebrity due to his success at Virginia

Tech. In 2004, Jones was drafted in the first round by the Detroit Lions. Since

then he has played for the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears.

"I am excited to provide a camp to the youth in a community that was so

supportive of me while I was playing here," said Jones. "The opportunity to

learn technique from the best in the business is rare. I want to offer the

campers a mini-training camp experience that will give them a glimpse of some of

the training and dedication that is necessary to succeed at any level."

A speaker from the National Collegiate Scouting Association will provide an

educational presentation to campers on the "Five Things You Need to Know" and

the "Five Things You Must Do to Get Recruited." After the seminar, parents of

participants will have the opportunity to speak with a recruiting expert, as

well as register with NCSA for additional information.

On the last day of the training camp, participants will receive a gift bag, take

a team photo, and enjoy an autograph session. The autograph session is for

campers only, and only camp memorabilia will be signed.

In an effort to remind campers of the importance of education, Kevin is

personally sponsoring 10 campers who would like to attend his Youth Football

Training Camp. In order to apply, interested participants must submit a 250-word

essay on why education is important and how an education prepares you for life

on and off the field. The essay is due no later than May 15 and may be submitted

via e-mail. The winners will be announced via the camp website, on May 20.

Local coaches who are interested in volunteering at the camp are encouraged to

register at the camp website.

Free parking for the event is available in the Chicken Hill Lot. Find more

parking information online or call (540) 231-3200.

Virginia Tech Recreational Sports joins in partnership with the university to

enhance the quality of life for all students, faculty, staff, their families,

and the community by providing recreational and fitness opportunities throughout

the year. The Department of Recreational Sports is a part of the Division of

Student Affairs. For more information on all events and programs, e-mail the

Recreational Sports' main office or call (540) 231-6856.

Written by Hannah Wilson, of Danville, Va., a senior majoring in communication

in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.