JACKSON TWP — Unfortunately, football has become synonymous with a lockout over the past few months.

But on Seneca Valley's campus Monday and Tuesday, football simply meant having fun.

Nearly 500 boys and girls ages 7-14 invaded NexTier Stadium for the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation Football Camp.

It was the third year that Roethlisberger's camp, organized by ProCamps, was held in Butler County. The previous years (2008-09), it took place at the Mars Athletic Complex.

“Mars is currently doing some work on its track at the football stadium,” said ProCamps vice president Eric Liebler Tuesday morning. “They were disappointed they couldn't host us this year, but introduced us to Seneca Valley.

“This is a beautiful facility and a lot of parents came out,” he added. “It's been a great reception.”

Seneca Valley athletic director Greg Caprara found out in late May that SV would be hosting the event.

“We have four or five home football games every fall and we usually host one or two playoff games here, but the people who came in for this camp are from all over,” said Caprara. “For many of them, it's their first time at Seneca Valley and hopefully, we're making a good first impression.”

Ultimately, the impression made on the kids is most important. They were split up into groups and coached through several drills before playing flag football games.

Roethlisberger was scheduled to work with every group individually before the end of Tuesday's session.

“This is the first year I came to the camp,” said Shannon Ptacek, an 11-year old boy from Cranberry Township whose team took a break from the action to get a drink on the sidelines. “I didn't catch a pass yet, but playing the games is definitely my favorite part.”

Roethlisberger believed the kids were getting what they hoped for out of the camp.

Well, almost.

“I think they wanted to play in the rain today,” he said with a laugh. “But they're all having fun and that's what it's all about.”

The camp also included the instruction of 50 area prep coaches.

“It's not easy for them,” said Roethlisberger. “They're trying to win state championships. To have the patience they've shown the last couple of days, it means a lot to me and a lot to these kids.”

Seneca Valley varsity football coach Don Holl witnessed both days of the camp. While head coach at Cathedral Prep, he and some of his players took part in the Bob Sanders Football Camp.

“One year, it was at Gannon University and then it was held at Edinboro,” Holl said. “This camp (at Seneca Valley) is really well organized. The staff from ProCamps has done a great job of interacting with the people on campus. You can tell they've been doing this for a while.”

As for the NFL lockout, Roethlisberger has been keeping busy in anticipation of a deal getting done.

“I work out every day,” he said. “I got together with the offensive guys several times and we ran different drills, some no-huddle stuff.

“That felt like football, but if we're not doing anything a few weeks from now, that would feel pretty weird.”

In the meantime, the two-time Super Bowl champion is trying to remain upbeat about the 2011 season.

“On the positive side, the older guys are getting a chance to rest and I guess I'm one of the older guys now,” said Roethlisberger. “There are professionals on both sides and I'm confident a deal will get done.”