More than a hundred young athletes gathered in Panama City, Florida, for the third edition of the FSU PC Youth Football Camp, a free summer program that blends skill drills with mentorship from former collegiate and professional athletes.
The camp, organized by former Florida State and NFL defensive back Javien Elliott, aimed to give participants exposure to high‑level coaching and former professionals while emphasizing personal development.
Elliott stressed the value of connecting youth with seasoned mentors, saying that early guidance can shape both athletic performance and character.
Mentorship as a catalyst
This year’s edition featured Boris Jackson, a longtime track and football coach, alongside Janarius Robinson, a former Bay High School and Florida State standout who later played in the NFL.
Under the guidance of these mentors, campers ran through drills, learned technique, and received personal advice on balancing sport with academics.
The event also highlighted a partnership between Florida State University Panama City and local community groups, underscoring the university’s commitment to youth outreach.
Organizers said the collaboration helps extend resources beyond the field, fostering a supportive environment for families across the region.
For many of the participants, the chance to learn from Elliott, Jackson and Robinson was more than a football lesson; it was a lesson in leadership, discipline and community service.
Coaches noted that the camp’s emphasis on character development mirrors the values the university seeks to instill in its students, reinforcing the idea that sport can be a conduit for broader societal impact.
Parents in attendance praised the free model, noting that the program removed financial barriers that often limit access to quality training.
As the final whistle blew, Elliott reflected on the camp’s success, promising to expand the initiative in coming years and to continue weaving together sport, education and mentorship.