Little kids with big dreams: OSU hosts hundreds of kids at annual youth football camp

Little Kids with Big Dreams: OSU Hosts Hundreds of Kids at Annual Youth Football Camp

The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when the sound of laughter, excitement, and footballs hitting the turf echoed across the fields of Oklahoma State University. For one special day, the Cowboys’ Boone Pickens Stadium became a playground for more than 500 wide-eyed kids as OSU hosted its much-anticipated annual Youth Football Camp — a day where dreams were nurtured, skills were learned, and memories were made.

Organized by the Oklahoma State University football program, the camp has become a tradition deeply cherished by the community. It brings together children ages 6 to 12 for a one-day event that offers more than just drills and touchdown dances — it offers hope, confidence, and a glimpse into what’s possible when hard work and passion meet opportunity.

A Community-Focused Tradition

Coach Mike Gundy, OSU’s longtime head football coach, has been a driving force behind the camp since its inception. “This camp isn’t just about football,” Gundy said. “It’s about giving back. We want these kids to leave here feeling inspired — like they can take on the world, not just the game.”

This year’s event drew kids from across the state and beyond, many wearing oversized cleats and jerseys that dwarfed their small frames. Some came with their schools, others with their parents, but all of them carried the same wide-eyed awe as they stepped onto the same field where college football stars battle each fall.

The camp is staffed by OSU football coaches, current players, and volunteers, all of whom enthusiastically engage with the young campers. From leading warm-ups to demonstrating drills, they treat the little athletes like rising stars, offering pointers and plenty of high-fives.

Skills, Smiles, and Self-Belief

Throughout the morning, the field buzzed with action. Rotating through a series of skill stations, campers practiced everything from footwork and passing techniques to route running and basic tackling (with safety-first padded drills, of course). For many of the kids, this was their first time receiving formal instruction — and their faces lit up with pride after every completed pass or well-executed drill.

One young camper, 8-year-old Jalen from Tulsa, couldn’t contain his excitement. “I caught a touchdown pass from a real college player!” he exclaimed, beaming from ear to ear. “I want to play here someday.”

That sense of inspiration is exactly what the OSU staff hopes to instill. “We’re not just coaching football today,” said OSU assistant coach Kasey Dunn. “We’re building confidence. We want them to walk off this field feeling like they can be champions in life, whether it’s on the football field or in the classroom.”

Role Models in Action

Perhaps the most powerful part of the day was the interaction between the young campers and the OSU players — real-life role models who were once kids with big dreams themselves.

Quarterback Zane Flores, a rising star in the OSU program, spent the day throwing passes, running drills, and offering encouragement to every camper he met. “I see myself in these kids,” Flores said. “When I was their age, I went to camps like this. It made me believe I could do this. So now I just want to pay it forward.”

Defensive lineman Collin Clay echoed the sentiment. “Some of these kids might never get to see a college football game in person, much less talk to a player. So if I can make them feel like they belong here, even for a day, that’s a win.”

For many families, the camp is more than just a fun day out — it’s a rare opportunity. Parents like Maria Gonzales, who brought her two sons from Enid, appreciate the effort OSU puts into making the event accessible. “It’s not just about football,” she said. “It’s about giving our kids a chance to dream bigger. To meet real players and feel like they matter.”

Building the Future, One Drill at a Time

The camp concluded with a group huddle at midfield, where Coach Gundy gathered all the campers and led them in a loud and spirited “Go Pokes!” chant. He reminded them to keep working hard, listen to their parents and teachers, and most importantly, to believe in themselves.

Each camper received a commemorative t-shirt, a group photo with the team, and a signed certificate of participation — tangible reminders of a day where big dreams were not only allowed but encouraged.

While not every child who attended will go on to play college football, the lessons learned on this day reach far beyond the gridiron. The values of teamwork, discipline, confidence, and perseverance are lessons that will serve them well, wherever life takes them.

Looking Ahead

With another successful year in the books, OSU’s Youth Football Camp continues to grow in both size and impact. Plans are already underway for next year, with hopes to expand the program and reach even more young athletes across the state.

As the last cleats left the field and the sun began to dip behind the stands, the echoes of laughter and cheers still lingered. For hundreds of little kids with big dreams, the day may have ended — but the inspiration and belief that they belong on that field someday had only just begun.

And for OSU, that’s what it’s all about — building a legacy not just of football greatness, but of shaping future leaders, one dream at a time.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Months before the Ohio State Buckeyes face off against the Texas Longhorns, their practice field is bustling with young football enthusiasts, dreaming of one day playing in such a marquee game. Today, several hundred kids attended Ohio State’s annual youth football camp at the Woody Hayes Center.

“This is an opportunity to spend two days with young people and kind of open up our doors,” said Head Coach Ryan Day. “We know how close Ohio State football is to our community, and it’s just something we do.”

Each camper begins the day by getting a picture with Day and the National Championship Trophy. “It’s amazing how many kids we end up recruiting later,” Day said. “It’s fun to look back later at those pictures.”