LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Louisville’s youngsters shared the field with some stars from the NFL, but it almost didn’t happen.

Michael Vick and Chad Johnson were set to host a football camp at a Jefferson County school, but local animal rights groups raised concerns.

Vick was convicted of a felony relating to a dog fighting ring in 2007. The former NFL quarterback spent 18 months in prison.

Created Player LLC had to move the camp because the Jefferson County Public Schools said it didn’t meet the requirements from JCPS.

St. Stephens Church offered their field as a venue to keep the hundreds of children like Timothy Gerard Malone who wanted to play and learn.

“I think overall it’s going to help me with everything,” the young offensive lineman said. “It’ll give me the speed, strength, and a better understanding of the game.”

There were no protesters around the church’s football field on Saturday.

Jason Stubbs and his son made the drive down from Dayton, Ohio. Stubbs said he wouldn’t miss it for the world.

“We just felt James would appreciate and learn a lot from it. So, we thought it would be worth the drive,” said Stubbs.

Stubbs understands the concerns some community members had. He thinks Vick can be an example to young football players both the good and the bad.

“Everybody deserves a second chance and nobody is perfect.”

Vick is scheduled to appear at a high school in North Carolina on June 1^st.