On a summer morning, children gathered outdoors to participate in football activities organized by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers Youth Football Camps, which began in 2009, have expanded from serving local participants in Pittsburgh to attracting youth from across the United States and overseas. Attendees receive instruction from current and former Steelers players as well as local coaches recognized through the Steelers High School Coach of the Week award.
“It’s always a joy to see kids playing football on a field no matter the time of year, but the sold out camps that we put on during the summers, are truly special,” said Dan Rooney, the Steelers Director of Business Development & Strategy. “We have our current and former players teaching the game of football to the kids from the Western Pennsylvania community, alongside kids who traveled from other states and countries to these summer camps.”
The camps are a central part of the Steelers Youth Football Program, focusing on skill development, safety, and fostering interest in football among young people.
“It’s the foundation of our game,” said Rooney. “That’s when a lot of our fans fall in love with the sport of football. It’s when they’re in their backyard, and they’re playing football with their friends and family.
“These camps allow us to teach the game. The Steelers want it to be taught the right way, a safe, fun and competitive way. You can learn from some of the great players of our past, or learn from current players on our roster, how to throw a football, how to take a handoff, and how to run a route. These are the tricks of the trade of football that our youth who attend these camps can pick up and take into their seasons, whether it’s flag football, tackle football, or a game at recess. They’re going to leave the camps better football players than when they arrived.”
This year’s camps were held at several locations including Highlands Sports Complex in West Virginia; Saint Vincent College; Slippery Rock University; and West Allegheny High School for boys and girls ages 6-14. The team also partnered for an event at Bethel Park High School.
“Every time we start a football camp, we say we have two objectives,” said Mike Marchinsky, senior manager of alumni relations and youth football for the Steelers. “We want to have fun, and we want to learn something.
“The fun is the number one goal because if they’re having fun, they’re going to come back and do it again. And especially now with kids and video games and devices, they have so many opportunities to do things. If it’s not fun, you’re not going to spend the time doing it.
“And football is a hard sport. Even if it is entry level. We always talk about life lessons and putting in hard work the way some of our guys put the work in, players like Hines Ward, James Harrison, T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward. Those are some of the examples that we use.
“You have to make sure it’s fun because it is a challenge. It’s something that takes a lot of time and effort. So you’ve got to have some fun doing it too because there are some challenges. But there is plenty of fun too.
“We want to promote and grow the game of football. That consists of creating opportunities for boys and girls, showing they can play as kids in contact or non-contact. We’re trying to increase participation and grow awareness of the game because there are opportunities later in life to either go on to college and play or find a career in football off the field. There’s an opportunity to participate, represent your school maybe represent your college. And there’s opportunities in career development too . So obviously that’s a long , long way get there have career sports .
“Through our youth football camps , coaches’ clinics , everything that we do , we want grow sport share love game others .”
The Steelers’ outreach extends internationally through programs held abroad as part of their participation in NFL’s ‘Global Markets Program.’ In recent years they have hosted youth camps not only locally but also in Ireland , Mexico , Germany — countries where they hold rights under this initiative . With an upcoming regular season NFL game scheduled against Minnesota Vikings in Ireland this September , efforts focus both on hosting games abroad as well as teaching young people about American football .
“You don’t just want bring live games international markets even though that’s big part bringing our game fans ,” said Rooney . “You also want teach our game because that’s important aspect following sport . That’s really how you fall love with game by picking up ball throwing around with your friends .
“The fact we’ve been able put these camps Mexico Ireland Germany we’ve had current former players teaching game having impact Many American youth know how play sport When you go international markets might be first time seeing American football At start day you’ll see kids feeling out trying understand sport then end camp you see smiles they’re having absolute blast which what we want”
Girls flag football has seen rapid growth nationally , with increased participation reflected regionally as well . The sport will debut at 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games . Over four years , Pittsburgh Steelers supported Girls Flag Football League events at high school level locally ; combined efforts by them Philadelphia Eagles led Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) sanctioning girls’ flag as official high school sport beginning 2025-26 academic year .
“It continues impressive talent level that see whether it’s camp during girls’ flag season ,” said Rooney .”When talk about being fun competitive absolutely seeing that girls flag think that’s why quick grow Although might feel new able compare experience basketball court soccer field Skills translating flag
“We can’t wait see continue grow across Western Pennsylvania believe carry 2025 beyond”
In partnership with local organizations including The Mentoring Partnership Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Giant Eagle Spread Group inaugural Girls Flag All-Peer Team was established recognizing high school athletes who provide mentorship within teams schools communities This year championship games aired KDKA+ offering similar coverage afforded boys’ high school competitions
“We’ve seen tremendous growth girls flag ,” said Marchinsky .”It’s fun part can see going kid that’s come through camp six seven eight-year-old back high school program And there’s some girls played flag program playing Pitt other places where whole life cycle youth high school”
Many members current team trace roots back early experiences with youth leagues such Pop Warner or neighborhood games Quarterback Will Howard described his own journey:
“Youth football was start everything me ,” said rookie quarterback Will Howard finished first Punt Pass & Kick Competition 2014 part USA Football Play60 program .”It made me fall love with I played Marsh Creek Eagles Pop Warner League Downingtown Pennsylvania right outside Philadelphia loved being around buddies playing ball vivid memories peewee remember first coach Malik Feamster still close him
“I remember one game begging so hard play defense when up really big begging much took helmet hid under arm just funny trying get because big guy
“That was time fell love with “
Linebacker Alex Highsmith also emphasized importance early exposure :
“I had lot fun playing ,” said linebacker Alex Highsmith played Coastal Panthers Wilmington North Carolina growing now hosts own camp hometown .”It important play kid learning about watched lot growing up Playing learning how right helped out When got middle school actually played tackle understood more knew ins outs important kids knowledge young age
“Being coached well so important young age You want taught tackle Being coached right player safety huge young kids”
Rooney reflected on broader benefits participating team sports :
“I know sounds cliche but always hear ultimate team truly more than just one person field takes all 11 side everyone working together execute play hopefully gain yards score touchdown
“When go through tougher moments harder practices difficult games form deep relationships hear locker room form deep bonds coaches teammates discipline toughness well provides really hard replicate anywhere
“I played lot sports growing up unique one life lessons involved friendships discipline toughness competitive fun like nothing else”
