NFL cornerback and Denver native Chau Smith-Wade to host youth football camp

Registration is open for Carolina Panthers cornerback and Denver native Chau Smith-Wade's three-day youth football camp at Soccer City in Aurora.

The three-day camp is for kids ages 6 to 14 and will take place from Friday, July 10 through Sunday, July 12.

I began with the Park Hill Pirates here in Denver, Colorado, and from there I just sprouted and grew to different places, Smith-Wade said. I came back to Denver just to show the youth that you have somebody that is watching you and have the support of somebody who was able to do it at a professional level.

Smith-Wade said he also wants to shine a light on athletes in Denver.

We aren't a very highly recruited state out of high school, and I want to be able to bring the attention to the Denver area, and really, Colorado as a whole, Smith-Wade said.

Smith-Wade said he also wants to empower kids through consistent mentorship.

We believe in the importance of mentorship and also the importance of discipline and seizing an opportunity," Smith-Wade said. "Throughout my life, I have seized an opportunity, which is how I got to where I've got to, and we want to use sports and real-life guidance to build strong character and leadership, both on and off the field.

Smith-Wade said the camp is free, registration is required, and volunteers are welcome.