Pendleton children play with the pros at free football camp

Although they’re not tall and fierce like NFL superstars, the 150 children who attended the first Eric Dickerson Youth Football Camp learned to play like the pros.

On July 21 and 22, children ages 7 to 18 were eligible to take part in hands-on instruction from NFL players at Camp Pendleton’s 11-Area football field.

The two-day camp was sponsored by the Eric Dickerson Foundation, which provides positive influences through youth sports, education and leadership. They build community partnerships with other non-profit organizations, schools and military services.

“Childhood obesity is at such a h...