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Greenville, OH – For 31 years, the Matt Light All-Conference Football Camp has shaped more than just athletes – it has shaped young leaders. Hosted by the Light Foundation, founded by three-time Super Bowl Champion and former New England Patriot Matt Light and his wife Susie, the camp returns June 16–17 at Jennings Field in Greenville, Ohio, welcoming 300 students in grades 2–8 for two full days of football, fellowship, and mentorship.
This year, the Foundation is placing a renewed focus on the power of mentorship – how having someone to look up to, and being open to guidance, can create lifelong impact.
“When kids feel heard, when they have someone to look up to and really listen to, that’s when the magic happens,” said Matt Light. “That’s how I grew, and that’s what we want for every kid who steps on the field this year.”
The camp operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration filled in under three hours, which is a testament to its value in the community and beyond.
While 250 campers will rotate through drills, scrimmages, and skills training based on their grade levels, an additional 50 students entering 7th and 8th grades will take part in the camp’s Light Leaders mentorship program. These older participants are challenged to lead by example, support younger campers, and grow their own leadership potential under the guidance of seasoned coaches and volunteers.
“We want them to understand that mentorship is a two-way street,” said Coach Aaron Shaffer. “You grow by giving back and by listening to those who have been where you want to go.”
This year’s campers represent over 40 schools and homeschool groups, including: Ansonia, Arcanum Butler, Brookville, Carlisle, Celina, Coldwater, Covington, Eaton, Franklin Monroe, Greenville City Schools, Marion Local, Mississinawa Valley, National Trail, Preble Shawnee, Troy Christian, Versailles, and many more.
The event owes its longevity and success to the community-wide support it receives each year from volunteers, coaches, and especially the sponsors who make it financially accessible for all participants.
“Larry Masters started this camp with the belief that every kid should have a shot at something meaningful,” said Light. “Thanks to our local sponsors, that belief is still alive and thriving.”
The Light Foundation would like to thank all the sponsors who made this possible: Touchdown Sponsors: Greenville Moose Lodge #329, Greenville City Schools, Schmidt Photography, and Chris McKiernan. First Down Sponsors: American Legion Post 140, David Trimble, Pepcon | A Poeppelman Materials Co., Kremer Roofing, Inc., Greenville National Bank, Buckeye Forest of Greenville, Wayne HealthCare, Dairy King, and Win Nutrition. Second Down Sponsors: MM Defense, Hometown Propane, Family Health Services of Darke County, Inc., Gordon & DeSantis Orthodontics, LLC, Turtle Creek, LLC, VPP, and Prosperity Promotions. Third Down Sponsors: Troutwine Auto Sales, Jim Gable Insurance Agency Inc., Davis Camper Sales, Inc., Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Roselius Insurance Agency, Hittle GMC, Inc., Dr. Stephen Stentzel, D.D.S., Fullenkamp’s Frenchtown Trailer Sales & Supply Co., Rowland Truck & Equipment, Domino’s, and Wolf Tent. Fourth Down Sponsors: G&G Floor Fashions, Bruns Animal Clinic, Greenville Federal, Studio 1 Hair Design, Darke County Humane Society, Scott Family McDonald’s, Double M Diner, Everheart Hospice, and My County Link.
About the Light Foundation: The Light Foundation (www.mattlight72.com) was established in 2001 by 3-time Super Bowl Champion and 3-time Pro-Bowler Matt Light. Matt was drafted in 2000 out of Purdue University and became the anchor for the Patriots Offensive Line until his retirement in 2012. The Light Foundation strives to instill and augment the values of responsibility, accountability, and hard work by providing youth with unique outdoor learning experiences that assist them in reaching their highest potential. Its goal is to lead young people down a path to becoming responsible members of their communities who can pass on the torch of leadership and achievement to their friends and families. Matt Light received the third New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2005, and in 2008, was presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his outstanding work in the community by the Bush administration. In 2012, he won the Pop Warner Humanitarian Award, and in 2014, was selected by All Sports United as its Humanitarian of the Year. Since its inception in 2001, the Light Foundation has raised nearly $6 million for various programs and initiatives. For more information, please check out the Light Foundation’s social media pages at www.facebook.com/LightFoundation and www.instagram.com/LightFoundation.
