DATE: Friday, April 25, 1997                TAG: 9704250832

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C7   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY JIM DUCIBELLA, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   42 lines

AREA PRO PLAYERS WILL HOLD FOOTBALL CAMP THE JUNE CLINIC IS FREE AND OPEN TO CHILDREN AGES 12-18

Carl Francis never made it in the NFL in the same way as some others he knew from Hampton Roads: Dwight Stephenson, Bruce Smith, Chris Slade, Terry Kirby, Reggie Langhorne, Mel Gray and William Fuller, to name just a few.

After working a couple of seasons in the public relations department of the Washington Redskins, Francis, who attended Bethel High School, joined the NFL Players Association as director of communications.

The more he talked to Hampton Roads area athletes playing pro football, the more he sensed that they, like he, wanted to do something for the children of this area.

Today at the Holiday Inn in Hampton, Francis will announce the results of those conservations - the first annual Peninsula All-Star Football Camp, to be held at Darling Stadium on June 20-21. Despite its name, the clinics are free and open to children ages 12-18 throughout Hampton Roads - though on a register-first, first-come, first-serve basis.

Francis estimates they'll be able to handle about 200 kids a day at the camp. Youths in grades 6-8 will attend the first day; youths in grades 9-12 will attend the second day. There are still places available both days, although co-organizer Lance Reynolds said Thursday they are going fast.

``You know, I used to spend time thinking of ways I could give something back to the community,'' Francis said. ``Most people think the communities owe these players something when they come to speak or work with kids. I think just the opposite. I think the players owe their communities.''

Francis and some of his friends banded together to form VICK Management. Although the players all have agreed to donate their time, VICK continues to look for sponsors so that they can follow through on their plan to provide free transportation, food, T-shirts and other amenities to their campers.

Washington Redskins All-Pro kick returner Brian Mitchell has pledged to VICK that he will donate 90 minutes of his time to any company that contributes $25,000 to VICK for their camp. Sponsorships of $10,000 and $5,000 also continue to be available.

Reggie Langhorne of Smithfield, a former star receiver with the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts, has agreed to serve as honorary chairman.

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