Boston Pro Athletes Holding Youth Camps This Summer

We often bring our kids to the ballpark or stadium to watch their favorite pro athletes perform their sport at the highest level. Now, we can bring the kids to learn these sports from the pro athletes holding camps around the state.

Many of these camps and clinics are still open for registration. The level of participation by the Boston pro athlete varies depending upon the camp type, but at each we are going to discuss here, the athlete is confirmed to at least make an appearance. In some cases, they even partake in the fun.

Kids learning the sport from these stars certainly serves as a unique and inspiring experience, especially when they can witness the player swing a bat, throw a pitch, or score a goal right in front of them. Another selling point, however, is that many of these athletes will talk to the campers and tell their stories. Here, they will learn about all the handwork and dedication it takes to succeed.

In the world of football, Patriots star linebacker Matthew Judon is notorious for holding great youth camps. Unfortunately, his three-day clinics just passed, having taken place over Memorial Day weekend. However, this is a name to keep an eye on as Judon often holds one-day or weekend camps when he is not in-season. In fact, Judon also took his camp international this year, holding an event in Germany at the Ramstein Air Base.

During the summer months of June and July, two Boston Red Sox players will hold one-day camps. On June 27, pitcher Kenley Jansen will be onsite at Bunker Hill Community College in Charlestown. From 1 PM to 5 PM #74 will host the Kenley Jansen Youth Baseball Camp.

This camp is open to kids ages 6 to 13, 1st grade to 8th grade. "Over the course of the day, Boston star Pitcher Kenley Jansen, and our coaches will provide your child with valuable baseball knowledge and hands-on instruction in a fun, high-energy, positive environment," Flexwork Sports says. There will be a camp photo with Jansen and an official T-shirt. The cost is $125.

Jansen's teammate Tanner Houck is also hosting a youth camp. This will take place on July 27 and will also be held at Bunker Hill Community College in Charlestown. "Camp activities will include lectures, fundamental skill stations, contests, and awards," Flexwork Sports explained.

Houck's camp follows the same agenda and layout as Jansen's, except this cost starts at $85 per kid.

Lastly, lacrosse in Massachusetts certainly seems to be everywhere over the spring and summer months. The Premier Lacrosse League has recognized this, and now that the city model has launched with the PLL, the local team, the Boston Cannons, is offering a camp as well.

On Monday, July 8, and Tuesday, July 9, the Cannons (backed by the PLL) will hold a day camp at Lasell University in Newton. The hours are 9 AM to 2 PM each day.

At this camp, kids will learn from the Cannons coach, Brian Holman, in addition to star players Marcus Holman and goalie Colin Kirst.

"This event is focused on skill & lacrosse IQ development to help propel you into your future," the Boston Cannons said. It is open to kids ages 10 to 17 at any experience level. The cost to attend is $299 and includes a Cannons pinnie.

The Premier Lacrosse League just wrapped up their quarterfinal playoffs weekend at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. While sitting in the second row of section 107 on Labor Day, I thought of four reasons why the PLL will continue to popularize professional lacrosse in America. The final game saw the Cannons defeating the Atlas. You may remember the Cannons from when they were the "Boston Cannons" in Major League Lacrosse.

The Cannons are the only PLL club that migrated over from the MLL.  This merger occurred in late 2020. PLL Co-Founder Paul Rabil (who is the most well-known lacrosse name in the country) was a Cannons player from 2008 – 2014. He also finished his career in the PLL, playing for one year on the Cannons.

Now, the PLL is winding down its fifth season. They have a mainstream distribution partnership with ESPN. Champion makes their popular merchandise. Furthermore, they are focusing on the little things each year to make the necessary steps to grow the sport.

I attended a few different PLL events last season. While my kids and I certainly enjoyed the experience, I was surprised that the league did not leverage the popularity of local youth programs in each state. This year, my son's club program was quickly offered the opportunity to attend the playoff round via a group rate. Upon roaming the stadium, I noticed many of his club-mates as they all opted to wear their team shorts or shirt. This is a simple (but super-impactful) win. In addition, the PLL offered a clinic prior to the playoff games, where three players from there pro teams would come out and teach kids for an hour. They would conclude the session by signing autographs and taking pictures. Resonating with the youth of today will be key to bringing the sport to a wider fanbase in the decades to come.

Let's be clear on something, these are the best lacrosse players in the country. Most of them were drafted into this professional league straight out of major division one college programs. After every game, kids swarm down the ailes and into the front rows of the stadium. The players then make their way over and sign as many autographs as possible. Given this past weekend was the playoffs, many players on the losing team also gave away their gear. Jerseys and gloves were thrown into the stands. Some players went as far as signing their sticks or stick heads, and then giving it to one lucky fan. These are memorable moments (and memorabilia items) every young sports fan cherishes forever.

There are eight different teams in the PLL. Each of them is uniquely branded and named. In addition, they each have engaging color schemes and logos that get frequent updates. From the retro jersey games, to the alternate uniforms, the Premier Lacrosse League has done an excellent job keeping their merch interesting - and collectible. You can customize the jersey you buy or select your favorite player to support. Of the eight teams, none of their nicknames are seen in any other professional sport. You can order it via their website or at pick it up at the merch booths at games.

Sure, a nail-biter of a game is preferred, but even a blowout features constant can't miss plays. On Labor Day, Wes Berg of the Redwoods hit a no-look, behind the back goal that was simply jaw-dropping. In youth lacrosse, the male players wear helmets, elbow pads, gloves, and a chest protector. At the pro level, the chest protector is typically eliminated from the gear, making the way these athletes control their bodies even more impressive. The competition is fierce, and you are quickly reminded that you are witnessing professional athletes mastering their craft.

The league clearly has a multi-year plan. You can see them following a "trust the process" philosophy at its working. Each season you see improved little things that make a big difference. For example, the tailgating fan zone was a lacrosse players dream this year. Gear was on display, dunk tanks, and partners demonstrated the latest technology the sport has to offer. The next phase of the PLL is that they will assign home cities to each of the eight teams next season. Although, they will continue the traveling tour model (for now) the anticipation is building as to which cities in the country will be awarded a pro team. A fan vote will help determine which of the 26 finalists will be the home cities. This should then generate an entirely new opportunity to launch more gear.