Teen Football Camp Hosted by L’Jarius Sneed

by: Dr. Kirkpatrick Williams

L’Jarius Sneed, the Tennessee Titans cornerback and two-time Super Bowl champion, returned to his hometown of Minden this weekend to host his third annual youth football camp at "The Pit." The June 20 event drew more than 300 young athletes from across the Ark-La-Tex region, eager to learn new skills and new drills from the hometown NFL star.

At the camp, Sneed and a team of coaches led participants through a variety of drills designed to build foundational abilities, route running, footwork, and tackling technique, while also emphasizing sportsmanship, perseverance, and leadership. The event balanced intensive training with accessible coaching and included sessions aimed at fostering teamwork and boosting confidence both on and off the field.

For local teens, the opportunity to work directly with an NFL-caliber player like Sneed offered memorable and motivational experiences. Many parents cited the camp as a source of inspiration and guidance for their children, providing a positive structure during the summer months.

Sneed, a Minden High School graduate, has invested personally in the camp, including paying for venue, equipment, and staff costs, to ensure all participants could attend free of charge. His vision extends beyond coaching football; he hopes to empower youth with belief in their potential and pathways to success.

From the community’s perspective, the camp is a major boon. It brings families together, highlights Minden in a positive light, and reinforces local pride. For young athletes who dream of playing at higher levels, it provides a rare, immersive learning experience and access to real NFL-level mentorship.

There are logistical challenges, however. Hosting over 300 campers requires significant coordination around parking, safety, hydration, and staffing. Older or inexperienced coaches may find themselves stretched thin, managing large groups of excited youth. Sourcing quality coaches, volunteers, and medical support is also a resource-intensive effort.

Additionally, while the camp benefits many students, participants with limited access, whether due to transportation or lack of awareness, may still be left out. Reliance on Sneed’s continued involvement also raises questions about the camp’s sustainability and succession planning for future years.

Despite these challenges, the camp continues to grow in popularity, Sneed is already planning future expansions, possibly offering multi-day sessions or leadership workshops. The experience at “The Pit” this weekend serves as both a skill-builder and a community-building exercise, reinforcing the shared pride of Minden and the supportive ecosystem surrounding youth athletics.