Each summer for the last 20 years, the East Meadow PAL football camp has returned like a familiar play drawn up on a well-worn chalkboard — bringing young athletes together to learn the game and reminding the community why the lessons taught between the whistles can last far beyond the final snap.
This year’s camp, which ran from July 27 to 30, was overseen by East Meadow native, Alex Rivas, its director for the last two years. Rivas, a 2008 graduate of East Meadow High School, where as a player, received the prestigious Thorp Award from Newsday, which recognizes the most outstanding high school football player in Nassau County, and the National Football Foundation’s Nassau County Chapter Jay Fiedler award.
As a youth player, Rivas recalled participating in the PAL camp, and returned to running the camp last year, a full circle moment that allowed him to give back to the community that helped shape him. Rivas said he feels the week-long program is bigger than football.
“It’s beyond a football camp in my eyes,” he said. “I really feel that is more about helping the kids develop into well-rounded human beings and people. It’s only a weeklong, but everything counts. Every minute that they spend taking care of their bodies, making friends in real life, getting outside, connecting with the community — it gives them different perspectives.”
Each day of the camp, Rivas said, focuses on a different element of the game while reinforcing the importance of a strong mindset. For example, one day the mantra will be “never quit,” and that is something they will repeat at every station they go through in the camp.
“They start to instill that kind of mentality, you know, in a very small level, but they get used to that mindset,” Rivas said. During the camp, participants also receive small gifts and giveaways, including silicone wristbands that state “Never Quit,” as well as matching T-shirts.
The camp operates under the East Meadow PAL, led by President John Spiro and Vice President Andy Spiro, with support from Police Officer Bobby Valera. It also partners with the East Meadow School District, which allows the camp to use the fields at the Salisbury School, the district’s headquarters in Westbury. Rivas thanked Superintendent of Schools Ken Rosner and East Meadow High School Athletic Director Rachel Barry for their continued commitment to the program.
High school football players from East Meadow and Clarke volunteer their time to help coach alongside PAL staff. Rivas said Matt Castaneda, East Meadow’s football coach, and Joe Roche, Clarke’s football coach, have also been strong supporters of PAL programming.
“They coach the kids, and everything that they know — whatever wisdom they gain, they’re sharing it with the kids and helping them in this journey,” Rivas said of the high school volunteers. “It gives them an opportunity to give back. It’s an important lesson for them. Being the camp director, it’s important to be a positive example to everybody and the school community.”
Volunteer Alexander Lengu, an East Meadow High School student, said he enjoys coaching the kids because he feels they learn from each other.
“They learn from me, and I learn from them too,” he said. “It’s fun talking with them, hearing what they have to say, and joking around together. When they’re having fun, it makes teaching so much easier. It brings our community together, and it’s really a great experience for everyone.”
Parent Elizabeth Mitchell said the camp allows youth players to improve their skills while learning teamwork, discipline and respect in a positive environment.
“The coaches and volunteers genuinely care about the children, and their dedication shows in every aspect of the camp,” she said. “Year after year, the camp creates lasting memories, builds confidence, and brings our community together. We're grateful for everyone who makes this incredible tradition possible."
Rivas hopes the camp helps put participants on a path toward healthier habits, particularly at a time when technology can be an easy distraction. Through football, the camp teaches lessons that extend beyond the field, from taking care of oneself to learning how to be part of a team.
“The habits that they build right now, they will have them for the rest of their life, because they’re young,” he said. “I do feel like it’s very difficult to change our habits as we get older. With the kids — if you can start to instill healthier habits as much as possible, it will change the trajectory of their life.”
