POULSBO — Though they may be years away from stepping onto the field to play prep sports, youth athletes from around the north end of Kitsap took advantage of the opportunity to train at North Kitsap Stadium this week.

“We want to see these young kids playing football and to get out there and keep playing,” said North Kitsap High School head football coach Jeff Weible.

The Junior Viking Football Camp, held July 22-25, was a way to keep youth active in the summer. Weible said he wanted to teach the camp participants aspects of football they may not have learned in other places. Of course, the main goal was to have fun.

Kenneth Johnson, 9, was just one of about 70 camp participants Tuesday. Though he is not playing football right now, he does plan to play at the middle school level. Eventually, Johnson could see himself playing with the North Kitsap Vikings, the soon-to-be Vinland Elementary student said.  The camp was for children age 5-13, coached by North Kitsap coaches and players.

“I’ve always wanted to do this,” Weible said. “I decided this was as good a year as any.”

— Send summer camp info to Kipp Robertson, krobertson@northkitsapherald.com