Hyde football camp registration to open

For many youngsters, getting up early in the morning likely means Christmas and registration for the Micah Hyde Football Camp. And perhaps the anticipation isn't even in that order. Five hundred spots for children entering third through sixth grade in the fall will be open on two dates in March for the free camp in Fostoria conducted annually by the former Fostoria High School All-Ohio performer and current safety for the NFL's Buffalo Bills, along with his locally based IMagINe for Youth Foundation. This year's camp is scheduled for June 3 at Memorial Stadium. It will be the sixth year for the event, which allows youngsters to engage in football-related activities under the direction of Hyde, area volunteers and, often, other NFL players. "Excited for another opportunity to be around the kids," Hyde said in a text message to the Review Times. "Looking forward to seeing where the kids are from and the skills they have. Always a good time!" Registration spots have always filled up quickly, so those wishing to attend should be at the ready for the first-come, first-served signups for 250 youngsters in each of the two age groups. Signups are scheduled for 9 a.m., March 11 for boys and girls entering grades 3 and 4 in the fall, and for 9 a.m., March 18, for those going into grades 5 and 6. A waiting list for each group will open once the initial 250 spots per group are filled. Though most campers in past years have been from Fostoria and the surrounding area, many states have been represented. Further information about registration will soon be available on IMagINe for Youth's social media accounts.