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# "They Actually Want to Be Here": How a Jersey City Football Camp Is Changing Young Lives
- URL: https://www.inthewake.tv/they-actually-want-to-be-herehow-bully-the-bullys-football-camp-in-jersey-city-is-building-community/
- Published: 2026-09-09T13:13:50.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-09T13:13:50.000Z
- Description: Minnesota Vikings NFL player Elijah Williams returns to Jersey City, his hometown to help boys develop their life skills.
- Author: IN THE WAKE TV 
- Tags: Newark

On a warm Sunday afternoon at Caven Point, the holiday weekend noise gave way to something far more focused: the sound of young athletes bringing their full effort to the turf.

The 2nd Annual "Bully the Bully" Youth Training Camp, hosted by local organization [Shine A Light NJ](https://shinealightnj.org/?ref=inthewake.tv), brought together youth from third to eighth grade for three hours of free football training, skill building, and mentorship. But for the organizers, parents, and coaches standing along the sidelines, the drills were secondary to the real purpose—creating a safe, encouraging space where young people are seen, supported, and valued.

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For the young athletes running drills, the inspiration was right in front of them. [Minnesota Vikings player Elijah Williams](https://www.vikings.com/team/players-roster/elijah-williams/?ref=inthewake.tv) returned to his hometown to cheer on the youth and help them develop their skills. Having a local hero back on the field gave young players a direct line of sight to what is possible when preparation meets opportunity.

"With stuff like this, you really just want to see effort out of kids," Williams said, watching the athletes throw themselves into every movement. "I feel like we're definitely getting a lot of effort, and they actually want to be here... When they enjoy it and they give their best, that's how they get the best out of it."

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/17/1a/171a11af-e20a-40f2-8382-82bff915265e/content/images/2026/09/IMG_0704.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/17/1a/171a11af-e20a-40f2-8382-82bff915265e/content/images/2026/09/IMG_0706-1.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/17/1a/171a11af-e20a-40f2-8382-82bff915265e/content/images/2026/09/IMG_0708.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/17/1a/171a11af-e20a-40f2-8382-82bff915265e/content/images/2026/09/IMG_0709.JPG)

Provided by Shine A Light NJ

  
That spirit of intergenerational support runs deep through the team hosting the event. Lincoln High School head coach Mario Santana, a Lincoln graduate himself, watched as his former players—including Elijah and event leader Coach Jesse—poured their time back into the next generation of Jersey City youth.

For parents, the impact goes far beyond athletic development. "Jesse is really all about the kids," Diamond a Jersey City parent reflected, noting that the training and camp were provided completely free of charge. "It's not about the money for him... I love the fact that the kids get to come together and be able to like enjoy. It's really like he created a brotherhood."

  
Events like "Bully the Bully" rely on grassroots community power. Shine A Light NJ operates through the dedicated time of local volunteers who ensure these programs remain accessible to every child, regardless of income.

  
To learn more about upcoming youth activities, volunteer your time, or support future programs, visit **shinelightnj.org**.