Personal trainer Devrae Noel Simmons found there were scores of young people playing sports on the Island, but not too many were strong or fit enough to compete on an international level for their age group.He decided to take action and came up with the idea for an innovative summer camp.The International Fitness Pros Summer Sport Performance Camp, taking place from now until August 16, will challenge young people aged six to 15, to reach new levels in their sporting game.Mr Simmons has enlisted help from some of the Island’s biggest athletes, including: boxing champ Teresa Perozzi, Bermuda Rugby Youth Development Director, Patrick Calow, and Crossfit Bermuda’s Bobby Hurdle.Young athletes will be introduced to everything from speed training, to core stability and strength conditioning. They will also get information on nutrition, sports rehabilitation and sports injury.Mr Simmons, who has served as a coach with the Bermuda Rugby Football Union (Under 14 and Under 16 National Team), said the summer programme served to develop young people’s mental and physical strength.He said: “As Bermudian athletes we are very skilful, but our ideas of strength training for our young athletes is almost nil.“If you were to poll the number of children that could do a proper push-up or even a body weight squat, it’s appalling and at a very low percentage. Especially considering the level of sports we are expecting our children to compete at.”Mr Simmons said sports was an important medium for young people and a vital outlet in helping them release built-up aggression and negative emotions.He posed the question: What could professional athletes and trainers, who are at the top of their game, do to boost the next generation?“From there evolved the International Fitness Pros Youth Training Academy,” he said. “It’s a place where coaches can showcase their coaching talents, but also where the youth athletes can also train and perform at a level of intensity that prepares them to be recruited ... or even compete on the world or Olympic stage.”Other trainers who have agreed to assist with the programme are: Sionna Barton (Jump 2B Fit), Daniel Morgan (Performance Rehabilitation), Reuben Bean (Jiketsu Martial Arts), Jermal “Goofy” Woolridge (Bermuda Heavyweight Kickboxing Champ), Cymande Davis (IFPros Camp Instructor/soccer) and Patrick Richardson (IFPros Camp Instructor/rugby/track).He said: “All come with their expertise and levels of training to enhance the IFPros team and its sponsors: Dunkley’s Dairy, Tops, Bermuda Heart Foundation, CrossfitBDA, Island Stats, Bermuda Rugby Football Union and Sports Performance Rehab.”Mr Simmons said young people can expect to build friendships, gain leadership qualities and develop social skills.“I hope our young athletes do take advantage of the IFPros Youth Training Academy. Not only will they have fun and build positive relationships, but tackling those social problems and the ability to ‘fit in’ becomes ‘not’ an issue anymore.“Their ability to be confident and strong becomes the main focus, creating a better, well-rounded athlete and young adult.”The camp ranges in price from $200 to $275 per week, depending on how long the young person signs up for. For more information contact 534-0845 or e-mail intlfitnesspros@hotmail.com.