Malik Washington stood before a crowd of children and parents at Archbishop Spalding — on the same bleachers where fans watched him lead Spalding to three straight MIAA titles.
He wore a shirt with an image of himself in a Maryland football jersey on the front. On the back of the shirt, his jersey number seven replaced the letter L to spell: “Love The Kids.”
After a brief introduction, Washington kicked off his third annual Friday Night Lights camp, joining third through eighth graders in drills and games across the field.
He hopes the free, one-night camp gives kids a chance to have fun without the financial burden of other summer sports camps.
“It’s something that I know I would have valued growing up, being able to come to something like this,” Washington said. “It being free just helps make sure everybody, no matter where they come from, is able to get out here.”
At Malik Washington’s Friday Night Lights camp tonight.
It’s the third year the quarterback has offered the free football camp at Archbishop Spalding — with 130 kids registering this year.
“It is something that I know I would have valued growing up.” pic.twitter.com/Xxr0WDfaek
— Michael Howes (@Mikephowes) June 27, 2025
130 kids registered for the event this year, said Kiana Teixeira, Washington’s mother. The young football players went through positional stations to begin the camp, ranging from quarterback stations to defensive line. They also played tug of war, had a fastest man competition and ended with 7-on-7 games.
The camp partnered with Golden Krust to provide food this year, while PATH Water donated nearly 700 reusable water bottles. Each camper also received a shirt, energy food and a swag bag. Spalding allowed the camp to use its football equipment.
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“The goal is to continue to do this every year … to get better and continue to provide this to the community,” Teixeira said.
The camp began after Washington’s sophomore year at Spalding, inspired by a conversation he had with his mom about creating a free program for children. Beyond offering a relaxed experience, the camp also gives kids a chance to see Spalding’s facilities.
Washington roamed the field offering tips on throwing mechanics and tossing slants during one-on-one drills with campers.
Spalding head coach Kyle Schmitt said the camp reflects Washington’s personality and the school’s football program’s values — fun, connection and a low-stress environment. He praised Washington’s engagement in one-on-one conversations, where he remembered names and made personal connections with the kids throughout the night.
“He left [the program] better than he found it,” Schmitt said. “This is where his roots are, in Anne Arundel County and at Spalding … It’s really important to him that he continues to guide all of that.”
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Some of Washington’s Spalding and Maryland teammates, including incoming freshmen Jayden Shipps and Delmar White, assisted as counselors at the camp. Schmitt and other Spalding coaches also helped.
Spalding offensive coordinator Anthony Messenger said he’s noticed the camp’s reach has grown, especially in the range of areas it draws campers from.
“It’s not for [Washington] to grow his brand or make his name any bigger,” Messenger said. “It’s just another example of who he is at his core and what’s important to him.”
