In the past four years since the landmark ruling of Alston v. NCAA the decision to allow student-athletes to engage directly in name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals has dramatically changed the collegiate landscape. Colleges have long benefitted financially from merchandise sales, appearance opportunities, and increased donorship for their high-profile athletic programs. And now, there has never been a better opportunity for young athletes to capitalize off their skillset and make decisions that will determine their long-term and financial future.

But on the same token the development window for amateur athletes has become much shorter and the competition to stand out has never been fiercer. Which is why regional development camps are becoming a go-to option for players and their families looking to get onto the collegiate radar.

You Are Athlete (YAA) recently held a camp in Orlando that was attended by hundreds of football players across two divisions: middle school and high school. Which is how the sprawling campus of First Academy and Warden Stadium found itself host to many dozens of cars packed into the surrounding parking lot and overflow areas on a busy Saturday morning. Here football players from all over the state gathered for the opportunity to make a name for themselves in a showcase for national exposure.