KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — Dozens of kids in Kalamazoo got the chance to train like a Detroit Lion this weekend at a youth football camp.

Twenty-five kids from Kalamazoo’s Police Athletic League were invited to take part in the two-day event covering offensive and defensive techniques that also brought some star talent the first day.

Kalamazoo’s Police Athletic League hosted kids to train with the Lions. (Aug. 3, 2025)
Kalamazoo’s Police Athletic League hosted kids to train with the Lions. (Aug. 3, 2025)
Kalamazoo’s Police Athletic League hosted kids to train with the Lions. (Aug. 3, 2025)
Kalamazoo’s Police Athletic League hosted kids to train with the Lions. (Aug. 3, 2025)

Behind the footwork and passes were lessons in character development. Values like being “noble” and “united” were displayed on banners not too far from the stations where kids were running drills. Those lessons are not lost on the young athletes like Jacob Bowers.

“I can try and be the best teammate I can be. I can try to be the best person I can be,” he said.

Learning some of the same drills that the professionals learn was a dream come true for some for Liam Morales.

“It was a great opportunity and it’s just a blessing to be here,” said Morales.

The first part of Sunday morning was spent rotating through four stations. The training all came together in short flag football games between athletes. Micah Davis scored one of the touchdowns for his team.

“I stood in the touchdown. I hope I was really friendly to my friends and that’s it,” he said.

The experience was made possible through PAL. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety program works to build positive connections between young kids and police to sports and other skill building.

“How many people can say they had the Detroit Lions in their backyard and the kids are out here enjoying themself not just one day, but two days of the Detroit Lions’ instructional camp?” said Johnnie Berry, director of PAL.

This was the third year that Detroit Lions staff made the trip to Kalamazoo. Berry said PAL will have more opportunities for the community to meet and train with collegiate and professional athletes in the fall.