By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
The Los Angeles Rams will once again combine football with community service as the team hosts its 2026 Training Camp, presented by CommunityAmerica Credit Union, at Loyola Marymount University for the third consecutive year.
Beyond preparing for the upcoming NFL season, the Rams will use training camp to highlight a series of community initiatives focused on youth development, education, mentorship and social impact.
Youth Football Takes Center Stage
Training camp opens Sunday, July 26, with Dedicated Youth Football Day, welcoming nearly 2,000 young athletes from across Southern California for football instruction, competition and entertainment.
Participants ranging from elementary through high school will represent communities throughout South Bay, South Los Angeles, Ventura County, the West Valley, the Inland Empire, the San Fernando Valley and Orange County.
The day will feature football skills and drills, flag football tournaments, fan tunnel experiences, autograph sessions, giveaways, photo opportunities and interactive fan zone activities.
Rams quarterback and reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Matthew Stafford will also present a $10,000 equipment grant to the Compton Dominguez High School boys football program. The donation will help purchase uniforms, practice jerseys, blocking sleds, protective equipment, film technology and other essential gear for the program, which emphasizes leadership, discipline and teamwork for student-athletes.
Fans attending the event will also have an opportunity to register for the Rams Football Academy, the team’s youth fan club designed to connect the next generation of Rams supporters with players and team activities.
LA28 Community Ticket Program
On Monday, July 27, following practice, the Rams and LA28 will announce the first nonprofit organizations selected to receive complimentary tickets through the community ticket program funded by the Rams’ $5 million donation announced last year.
The unveiling will take place during a post-practice press conference at training camp. The announcement remains under embargo until 6:30 p.m. PT on July 27.
Rams Blitz Promotes Inclusion
Also on July 27, the Rams will continue their Rams Blitz initiative for the ninth consecutive season in partnership with Project Blue.
The leadership program brings together high school football players from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds to promote inclusion, leadership and respect through sports.
This year’s program will include student-athletes from South Gate High School and Birmingham High School, featuring both boys tackle football and girls flag football teams. Participants will attend one of the program’s five sessions at training camp, where they will also observe the Rams’ practice.
Mentoring the Next Generation
On Saturday, Aug. 1, the Rams will host another session of their Pathways to Success Mentorship Program, now entering its sixth year.
Approximately 30 high school students will participate alongside more than 40 Rams front office staff members during a development session focused on career exploration and personal growth.
Since launching the program in 2021, the Rams have provided mentorship opportunities designed to introduce students to careers in the sports industry. The program includes workshops on goal setting, interview preparation, financial literacy, technology, personal branding and professional development, along with job-shadowing opportunities during Rams home games at SoFi Stadium.
Coaches Learn Alongside the Pros
The Rams also will continue their High School Coaches Shadow Program for a fifth season.
The initiative allows 40 high school football coaches to observe Rams practices and coaching methods throughout the seven public training camp sessions. For the second consecutive year, the program includes both boys tackle football and girls flag football coaches.
Five coaches will be selected to participate during each open practice, giving them an opportunity to study practice organization, player development techniques and leadership strategies from the Rams coaching staff.
Through these initiatives, the Rams continue to use training camp as more than a preseason football event, creating opportunities that benefit young athletes, students, coaches and communities throughout Southern California.