Gloucester has once again proven to be a football hotbed.

In addition to a Division 2A state championship for Gloucester High School last fall, the National Football League's Junior Player Development program will be holding a camp in Gloucester this summer for the second straight year.

The Junior Player Development camp, which is for boys and girls ages 11-14, will run July 14 through July 18 at Gloucester High School. The program will run double sessions each day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids from Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester and Essex are invited to participate, free of charge. Parents must complete and sign registration and waiver forms while medical forms must be completed and stamped by a physician.

"This is a very fun experience," Gloucester head football coach Paul Ingram said. "The kids will learn a lot about the game, it's a great camp."

The Junior Player Development Program focuses on developing youth football as a productive feeder system to high school programs. The curriculum is based on a step-by-step progression which teaches participants the basics of football for each position in a fun and entertaining manner. The program will feature the "Strive for Excellence" life skills, which include self control, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The camp will be run by high school coaches and volunteers. Last year three former NFL players were on hand including Andre Tippett, who will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer.

The program is always looking for volunteer coaches.

"Most of the coaches are returning from last year, but we would like some new ones," Ingram said.

Ingram expressed the desire for Pee Wee football coaches to participate in the program, pointing out that it is a great opportunity for a Pee Wee coach to learn the intricacies of the sport.

"This is great training for Pee Wee coaches," Ingram said. "Each volunteer will receive training in football techniques. I am willing to have coaches attend the JPD training session if they can not commit to the camp."

Players will be separated by age and size. In their groups they will learn the techniques and intricacies of every position on the football field. Each group will also hold skills competitions for each position to get a feel for which position fits each kid best.

"This is a great format where each player will learn how to play all positions," Ingram said. "There will also be skills competitions which are a lot of fun."

All equipment will be provided by the NFL. There will be a fitting session on a date yet to be determined where Riddell Sporting Goods will fit each kid with a helmet, shoulder pads, pants, jersey, pads, mouth piece, football and an equipment bag.

Ingram is hoping the program builds on the success it saw last season, when 110 kids participated. Ingram also encourages participants to register as early as possible.

"We had 110 kids last year and we are hoping to get 150 this year," Ingram said. "I would also like to encourage more players from Rockport, Manchester and Essex to participate also. It's a great camp that does a great job teaching kids the game of football."

What: The National Football League Junior Player Development Program.

Where: Gloucester High School

When: July 14-18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Who: Boys and Girls ages 11 to 14

About the NFL JPD: This program was developed to rebuild youth tackle football as an effective feeder system for high school programs. The program ensures that participants receive a full experience of tackle football with proper instructional and development training.