LET US PLAY! Sports Camp Summary

The LET US PLAY! Sports Camp was formed to fill the void in athletic opportunities for young women. We strive to motivate socially and economically disadvantaged girls (ages 12-15),  to take advantage of the life-long benefits associated with both sports and education. The emphasis of the camp is to promote involvement in athletics and encourage the good health and consistent work ethic associated with participation in sports.

This camp was the vision of Bryan and Leah Barker. Bryan,
a 16-year veteran of the National Football League introduced the idea to the Jacksonville business community and the response was overwhelmingly positive. LET US PLAY! quickly became a reality in just four months for 150 girls attending the inaugural camp held at the University of North Florida in April of 1996.

In 1997 and 1998, along with Jacksonville, the Denver Broncos and the Dallas Cowboys hosted LET US PLAY! Sports Camps as well. In 1999, we welcomed the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers and the Oakland Raiders as new members of the LET US PLAY! family.

Each year in Jacksonville, 200 young women from United Way agencies are invited to attend the camp - spending one day each on volleyball, basketball and track and field. The final day is reserved for NFL Flag Football coached by NFL players and their wives. Closing ceremonies consists of a catered lunch, a highlight video and a celebrity guest speaker to hand out medals of completion.

Throughout the camp, a “life skills” team from the University is on hand to help evaluate the girls’ fitness levels. Guest speakers are scheduled during lunch breaks with topics focusing on motivation, self esteem and financial aid from the University.

This camp is unique in that it is run by women for women. Many players’ wives work together to make this event a success as well as an army of volunteers from United Way, the University of North Florida and other agencies.  Media coverage has included local and regional press and “Good Morning America” featured our national greeting.

In Jacksonville, we have set up a permanent scholarship endowment at the University of North Florida for LET US PLAY! camp graduates. We are also working with the University on a multi-year research project which is following and documenting the successes of the young women who have attended the camp.

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