David Montgomery to Host Youth Football Camp at Thirlby Field in June

Detroit Lions running back and national youth camp organizer David Montgomery announced on November 12, 2025 that he will bring a one day youth football camp to Traverse City on June 14, 2026. The session will be held at Thirlby Field and run in partnership with FlexWork Sports, with organizers describing the program as focused on fun, skill development and safety.

The camp will be open to children ages six through sixteen and will be organized by age groups to match instruction and activities to participant ability. Programming will include skills stations and interactive sessions designed to teach fundamentals while keeping drills accessible for a wide range of experience levels. Each registered camper will receive a limited edition camp T shirt, a team photo with Montgomery and sponsor take home items.

Organizers provided registration information and sign up details in the announcement for parents who want to enroll children. The event is a single day offering, which is intended to provide concentrated instruction and community interaction without the logistical complications of an extended stay. Parents and guardians are advised to watch registration information closely since demand for celebrity led camps often outstrips capacity.

The camp is notable for local residents because it draws a national level athlete and a sports organization to Thirlby Field, a venue used by school teams and community leagues. Bringing a high profile camp to the city can increase visibility for youth sports in the area, and create short term economic activity for nearby businesses on the day of the event. It also places practical demands on field scheduling and maintenance, requiring coordination between event organizers, school officials and municipal parks staff.

Beyond the immediate sporting benefits, the event highlights broader community values around youth development and public space use. Local coaches and youth program leaders often view single day clinics as an accessible entry point for children who may not be ready to commit to seasonal teams. The presence of a professional player can boost interest in after school programs and create opportunities for local volunteer involvement and sponsorship.

City officials and school district staff will likely monitor how the event fits into the calendar of field availability and ongoing maintenance needs. For parents the camp offers a concentrated opportunity for skill instruction, social interaction and exposure to higher level coaching. With registration details already released by organizers, parents interested in signing up should follow the announcement channels provided by Montgomery and FlexWork Sports to secure a spot and confirm any logistical requirements.