News & Observer | newsobserver.com | Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis

'I just can't get the helmet right. I just can't. That's the thing I can't get right. It's hard to do," says Derrick Scott, 12, as he tries to quickly put on his helmet while he rushes to football practice at Wake Christian Academy in Garner.

Derrick is taking part in the NFL Junior Player Development program, a national instructional football camp for children ages 12 to 14 in underserved communities. It's a free two-week, 12-session program that provides step-by-step instruction for every position on the field as well as teaching life skills.

Derrick, who started playing football at age 10, says he likes football because "it makes me feel good." On this day, the young men were doing the basics of footwork and hitting for defense. "I like the offense, the running back and receiver," he says. "Football is my dream. I've always wanted to play football, and I like the Dallas Cowboys so I want to be on their team. I love football. I don't know why. All day I can play it, everyday. Nothing but football."

To learn more about the NFL Junior Player Development program, go to www.nflyouthpd.com.


Derrick Scott, 12, talks about how his love of football brought him to the NFL Junior Player Development program at Wake Christian Academy in Garner.

About This Project


Juli Leonard
Photojournalist Juli Leonard explores the lives of young people in our community, capturing the tumultuous changes that take place during the evolution from childhood to adulthood.

With "Metamorphosis," we aim to provide young people with a voice about issues they care about, while providing a window for us all to examine the simple joys of new experiences.


Hosting Partners of
newsobserver.com

Member of the
Real Cities Network

A subsidiary of The McClatchy Company