The Mars Athletic Complex has hosted a lot of talent over the years.

But nothing quite like this.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will host his inaugural football camp at the venue from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.

"I can't remember us hosting a pro athlete of his caliber since I've been here, and I've been here for 21 years," said Mars athletic director and football coach Scott Heinauer, who will serve as the event's coordinator. "It will give us a chance to show off our facilities."

The event, which will be put on by 'Pro Camps,' is open to youths ages 7-14 and will focus on fundamental football skills.

Along with drills, there will be 11-on-11 non-contact games and skill contests.

"The camp participants will be broken up into 10 or 12 groups," said Pro Camps media relations director Julie Roberts. "They will be with kids of their own age and size."

As of Wednesday afternoon, the camp had about 350 youths registered.

The camp will accept walk-in participants, who are encouraged to visit www.bigben7.com for details, "but they should not register online," added Roberts. "They should show up at the camp at 8:30 a.m. with an adult so they can register before the camp starts."

Cost for the camp is $249 and includes a Roethlisberger Camp T-shirt and an autographed camp team photo with the Pro Bowl quarterback.

Proceeds benefit the Ben Roethlisberger foundation.

No personal autograph opportunities will be permitted.

While Roethlisberger will be present for all nine hours over the three days, the camp will also feature instruction from several WPIAL high schools and Washington and Jefferson College.

Several of Heinauer's assistant coaches will be present.

Other schools represented with coaches include Highlands, North Hills and Shaler.

"'Pro Camps' contacted me back in March," said Heinauer. "The big thing with me was, I didn't want (Roethlisberger) to show up and make an appearance all three days and then leave. I wanted it to be a situation where, he'd be here the whole time helping the kids out and that is what's going to happen."

'Pro Camps,' which is based in Cincinnati, has been involved with such camps for 10 years.

"It was started by two athletic directors who had the summers off," said Roberts. "Our first pro athlete was Vince Carter back when he played for the Toronto Raptors.

"Currently, we hold camps with T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Adrian Peterson and Jason Taylor of the NFL and Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul of the NBA."

Next week's camp will provide youths with an invaluable opportunity.

"Ben's going to be here to promote the sport of football," said Heinauer. "The kids will be able to talk to him and pick his brain.

"That can't hurt, from somebody who's been successful and won a Super Bowl. What more do you want?"

In case of bad weather, the camp's activities will be moved into Mars Middle School and Centennial School.