Heflin Native Todd Bates, former Alabama defensive lineman and 2004 Permanent Team Captain will be bringing his Fourth Annual Todd Bates Football Skills Camp to Heflin, this Saturday.

The camp will be held at the Heflin Recreation Center.

Bates told The Cleburne News that he has been working hard to put the camp together. "There is nothing like coming home and working with our kids. It is my way of giving back and giving the kids as much of an edge as I can give them," he said.

Participants can sign-up online today or sign-up Saturday.

They can also register at the Heflin Recreation Center (call 256-463-5434).

The camp is for students ages 6-18. Cost is $40.

Bates said he has been traveling the whole state and learning new drills at LSU, University of Tennessee and from the University of Alabama.

"I try to bring back the most up-to-date drills. I've learned so much new stuff and new innovations so the kids will know what the colleges are doing even before the college coaches know," Bates added.

Camp attendees should wear gym shorts, tennis shoes and/or bring cleats. Camp Day T-shirt will be provided.

Camp will start at 9:30 a.m. Same day registration and sign-in for those who pre-registered will begin at 9 a.m in the Rec Center Gym. Participants will pick-up their camp day t-shirt, name tag and take a group photo before heading to the football field.

If pre-registered online, then you will need to bring or have parent or guardian available to sign the waiver and release of liability form.

Camp will be dismissed at the Recreation Center Gym at 3 pm. Here's a brief itinerary of the day:

* Registration & Sign-in: 9 a.m.

* Camp 1st Half: 9:30 a.m. — 12 p.m

* Lunch Served: 12 pm — 12:30 pm

* Guest speaker(s) 12:30 p.m. — 1 p.m.

* Camp 2nd Half: 1 p.m. — 3 p.m.

* Dismissal in the Recreation Gym 3 p.m.

In addition to presenting skills camps, Bates has been busy promoting University of Alabama t-shirts and being involved with fundraisers.

"I am expanding my business and writing poetry every day to inspire and motivate the athlete. I have assisted with other camps. It is all my way of giving back and giving those I help as much of an edge as I can give them. We all, the other coaches and I, work together and travel the state, sharing a common interest and common goals. They want to be involved and that is why I surround myself with like-minded people," Bates said.

More information is available at www.toddbates.org.