Community support fuels the inaugural camp
Freddie Stevenson’s first Trials to Triumph Football Camp and Mental Health Experience opened in Mulberry, Florida, with 76 participants ranging from six to sixteen years old. About 120 youths had signed up, and roughly sixteen coaches led drills, many of them tied to Polk County. The event was made possible by the backing of local figures such as Ronnie Richardson, a Lake Region and UCF alumnus who now serves as bench coach for the Tampa Bay Rays’ Double‑A affiliate, the Montgomery Biscuits, and the founder of R2Cares.
A mental‑health‑centered approach
Dr. Raquel Jones, a Bartow native and Director of Mental Health and Performance at the University of Central Florida, attended the camp to embed a mental‑health component into the athletic experience. Her presence underscored the camp’s dual mission: sharpening football skills while fostering emotional resilience among the participants.
Looking ahead: nationwide growth and a girls’ flag‑football showcase
Stevenson said the overwhelming interest from other communities has prompted plans to take the camp on a national tour. In November, he intends to organize a girls’ flag‑football tournament that will serve as a qualifier for the Super Bowl, aiming to give female athletes a pathway to elite competition. The initiative reflects a broader vision of using sport as a vehicle for both personal development and community uplift.