Share on LinkedIn

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Entering his second year as the quarterback of the Carolina Panthers, Bryce Young says he is trying to invest more in the Charlotte community that’s become his home.

On Saturday, June 1, that was on full display as Young held his first kids football camp in the Queen City at Johnson C. Smith University.

Roughly 300 kids showed up to the event, ages 6-13. The campers ran through various football drills, skills competitions like fastest run and longest throw, and some team scrimmage work.

More importantly than playing football, the camp also represented the launch of the Young 9 Foundation, which is focused on raising awareness and providing resources for mental health in children.

Young says he remembers growing up seeing a stigma and apprehension around talking about mental health issues, so its important that his foundation helps lay the groundwork early for kids to know that help is out there if they need it.

“Being able to introduce that early and try to raise awareness for that at a young age, I hope it can help and pay dividends in the long run,” Young said.

The Carolina Panthers wrap up OTAs next week before reporting for mandatory minicamp on June 11.