The Football Camp for the Stars is especially for athletes with Down syndrome who love football
With instruction from NFL football players, along with NFL, college and prep school coaches as well as leaders in cheer, athletes learn the fundamentals that put them in the middle of the action, resulting in an authentic football experience.
Camp Registration is Full & Closed
Football Camp for the Stars Waiting List
Countdown to Camp
The 2025 Football Camp for the Stars will take place on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 at Valley Christian High School.
39 Days
39 Days
Message from Coach Mike Machado
This is Coach Machado reaching out to all our Football guys and cheerleaders to let you know the annual Football Camp for the Stars is coming this June 6th and 7th at Valley Christian HS I am excited and looking forward to seeing you all, in shape and Prepared for Another great camp of Football, cheer, and Friends coming together to show our love for the camp, the game and each other.
Mark Your Calendars for a great 2 days at the Football Camp for the Stars !!!!
See ya Soon, Coach Mike
My Cause My Cleats
For Week 14 of the 2024-25 NFL Season, 49ers CB Deommodore Lenoir has selected our organization to support. He selected Football Camp for the Stars in honor of his sister who has down syndrome.
"When I look down at the cleats, I know I've got her name on there. So I know I'm going to be playing for her. My sister loves pink, and then the purple came in when I saw a picture of Mooney (Ward) with his daughter, and he had on a purple Moncler sweater. So, I added them together. I've got Amani on there, so I'm going to be playing for her too."
"It's a blessing just to have kids around who are different, and it's important to show them the way, that they can be something.”
How it all began…
The Football Camp for the Stars, believed to be the first of its kind in the United States, is the brainchild of current Valley Christian Schools (VCS) Varsity Football Coach, Mike Machado. The mission of the camp is to provide athletes with Down Syndrome an authentic football experience while maintaining the highest standards of safety. The first camp was held in June of 2007.
18 Years Strong!
Now in its 18th year, the Football Camp for the Stars at Valley Christian has been embraced and supported by the football community at large
“What makes it so special is that I saw a buddy holding hands with his athlete buddy going to the gym for lunch. It takes a special type of young man to hold hands with another young man in front of his friends and teammates”
—Steve Z.
“The blend of coaches, players, parents, and cheerleaders created an environment of fun and learning that every parent in attendance could only wish for their children.”
—Tim G.
“Our camper has not only gained football experience during his 14 years of participation in FCTFS, but we have also gained wonderful friendships and memories.”
- Kerry R.
