The Ceres Jr. Bulldogs Youth Football & Cheer Organization had a special guest at its Seventh Annual Skills Camp.

Ceres High head coach Matt Chachere attended the first day of the free clinic at Smyrna Park on July 18.

“I talked with the kids and coaches,” said Chachere, second-year leader of the Bulldogs. “I wanted to introduce myself and start building a relationship with the youth program. It’s really important to have that connection. We want to help them out anyway we can. It’s hard to find time but we have to make that sacrifice.”

Joe Estrada, president of the Jr. Bulldogs, praised Chachere for his commitment to bridging the gap between high school and youth football in Ceres. 

The Jr. Bulldogs are the feeder program for Ceres High School football.

“Super excited,” Estrada said.

“I talked with the coaches about all sorts of stuff,” Chachere said. “We’re laying the groundwork for a good relationship. One of the things we want to do is have a youth football night during one of our games.”

Approximately 150 boys and girls, aged 5-14, participated during the July 18-20 Jr. Bulldogs Skills Camp.

The weekday sessions lasted two hours (6-8 p.m.).

The Saturday session lasted three hours (9 a.m.-12 p.m.).

Football players and cheerleaders completed warmup drills prior to receiving instruction from their respective coaches.

“I enjoyed seeing the kids run around,” Chachere said. “They looked like they were having a good time.”