By Haley Mitchell Godwin

The inaugural Keldric Faulk Youth Football Camp was held at Highland Home School July 13, offering a day of excitement and learning for 55 young campers. The training, which welcomed first through sixth graders, was spearheaded by Keldric Faulk, a 2022 graduate of Highland Home High School and current defensive end for Auburn University.

The camp was organized and directed by the Highland Home coaching staff and varsity football players and featured a variety of activities focused on developing teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship. Nine-year-old Luke White, a fourth-grade-student at Highland Home School, expressed his enthusiasm for the camp. 

“I learned how to pass the ball and get out of my stance quicker,” White said. “My favorite part was the tackling drills.”

Faulk, inspired by his own experiences and support from his community, planned the event in an effort to provide a free skills camp on the very field where his football dreams began. 

“I wanted to organize a camp designed specifically for children, providing them with a unique opportunity to enjoy themselves while engaging in friendly competition with their peers,” Faulk said. “The primary goal was to create an environment where kids could not only have fun but also develop skills, build friendships and gain confidence through various activities and challenges.”

Faulk emphasized the importance of giving back to the community that supported him throughout his journey. 

“This camp was inspired by my own experiences and the support I received from others on my journey,” Faulk said. “As I reflected on the mentors, coaches, and friends who helped me reach my goals, I realized the importance of giving back to the community that nurtured my growth. I wanted to create a space where young people could experience the same encouragement and motivation that I had.”

One of the highest recruited athletes from Crenshaw County in the history of the school system, Faulk received college offers from numerous programs including Alabama, Clemson, Florida and Notre Dame and others before accepting an offer to become an Auburn Tiger. His message to the campers was clear: being from a small town does not limit one’s potential. 

“I’m from a small town, from a single-parent household, and you see what I did,” Faulk said. “You can do it, too.”

Faulk said his mother, Lakendral Barnes, also played a significant role in organizing the camp, encouraging Faulk to give back to the younger generation.

Sponsors for the camp included Caddix, KiloGear, One Sports Agency, Extreme Heating & Air, Family Fitness, FDC Photography & Designs, First Citizens Bank Highland Home, Athletic Booster Club Highland Home, Citgo, Highland Home Hardware, Highland Home Subway, It Don’t Matter Family Restaurant, Kirk Edwards Construction, Nelson’s Meat & Grocery and Southern Chic Boutique.

With plans already underway for next year’s camp, and Faulk said he hopes to continue inspiring and nurturing young talent in his community.

Photos by Deonte Crenshaw, owner of Owner at FDC Photography and Designs. https://fdcphotographydesigns.pic-time.com/portfolio