Atlanta News First

Atlanta summer camp creating next generation of sportscasters

Play By Play Sports Broadcasting Camp is underway this week at Emory University

By Blake DeVine

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — There’s a summer camp in Atlanta giving kids a firsthand look at what it takes to score their dream job.

Play By Play Sports Broadcasting Camp is underway at Emory University.

Over 40 boys and girls are pursuing their passion and interest in sports, developing their skills to become the next generation of broadcasters.

Haley Apte is a 13-year-old from Marietta, attending the camp for the first time.

“We all love sports, we all want to do this when we’re older,” she said. “We have an interest in sports broadcasting and we love watching other people do it.”

Apte hopes to one day work as the Atlanta Braves next field reporter.

Marietta native Haley Apte (center) was able to meet Atlanta Falcons players Dee Alford (right) and DeMarcco Hellams (left) during Play By Play Sports Broadcasting Camp.(Courtesy Photo)

On Wednesday, the eighth grader learned from some of the best broadcasters in the business.

Including Atlanta Falcons play-by-play announcer Wes Durham and Atlanta Hawks play-by-play radio broadcaster Steve Holman.

“Speaking to these guests gives you really good advice, for your future,” Apte said.

Harris Seidband is an 18-year-old from Roswell, who has attended the camp for the last six years.

“For young people like us that want to be in this business, it’s really good to hear how you have to start small and work your way up,” he said.

Durham shared his words of wisdom with the entire group of campers this afternoon.

“If you have that genuine passion and enthusiasm about sports, that’s the most important message you can share with young people,” he said.

Throughout the summer, these weeklong camps take place at 11 different cities across the country, including Atlanta.

Campers rotate through various activities throughout the week designed to give them practice and reps. This including on-camera work, radio announcing and sports trivia.

Over the years, the group has toured Mercedes-Benz Stadium and practiced their play-by-play skills during Braves games at Truist Park.

Cameron Jenkins is a 13-year-old camper from Atlanta, whose highlight of the week was interviewing Atlanta Falcons players Dee Alford and DeMarcco Hellams.

“I just want to stay around sports and this is just opening up more opportunities for me around sports besides being an athlete,” he said.

With only two days left before the camp concludes, campers will take a tour of the College Football Hall of Fame and hear from more industry experts.

To learn more about Play By Play Sports Broadcasting Camp, click here.

Source: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2024/07/17/summer-camp-creates-next-generation-sportscasters/