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Steelers Pass On Football Knowledge At Youth Camp

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Steelers report to training camp at Saint Vincent College a week from Friday.

But team members, past and present, took time out today to teach a youth camp at West Allegheny High School.

Ex-Steeler quarterback Charlie Batch shows he still hasn't lost the touch.

The Homestead native says youth camp aims at both sides of the ball.

"Everybody at this age wants to be a quarterback. We know it's not going to happen, and that's why we have rotating sessions, so they can learn from the offensive line and maybe learn from the defensive side because they don't know exactly what they're going to do," said Batch. "But when you're out there make it fun for the kids, so that they want to learn."

Learning to backpedal like Shamarko Thomas is not as easy as it looks.

"I'm definitely happy to come out here and motivate these kids, and show them that a pro is not just a pro, he's a regular person," said Thomas. "He works hard and he bleeds and sweats just like you do."

Offensive lineman turned broadcaster Craig Wolfley trains his students in the art of legwork, and lessons in life.

"It's about having a desire to go out and do things with your life, to make an impact on other people," said Wolfley. "And that's what you want. You've got God-given abilities. Use them."

It's not just kids from the neighborhood. It's the third straight year Shannon Raatz has driven her son, Reese, all the way from upstate New York.

"They learn dedication. They learn hard work. They're able to get to the Super Bowl if they want to. It's really good experience," she says.

RELATED LINKS:
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