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.
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.
183 Days
183 Days
Message from Coach Mike Machado
Campers great work on the field this past camp, proud of you all, football players and cheerleaders!!! Now remember to keep exercising, eating healthy and taking care of yourselves to continue to be able to participate in the things you enjoy. The Warrior players loved sharing the camp time with you all !!! and look forward to seeing you all again at the Football/Cheerleading Camp for the Stars.
Love you all, Coach Mike
My Cause My Cleats
For Week 14 of the 2023-24 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.
