NFL, NFL Player’s Association team up with Boys and Girls Club to provide flag football grants
Santa Paula News
Published: March 02, 2007
For most, the Super Bowl is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year; however our children at the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley are anticipating their own Super Bowl with the start of their “Flag Football” Program.
The NFL and NFL Player’s Association has teamed up with Boys and Girls Club of America to provide flag football grants for clubs worldwide.
The Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley is one of 300 clubs to receive the grant.
The grant will provide positive educational learning experiences as well as fun for our members in Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru community.
Boys and girls ages 8-12 will be able to have fun in a non contact sport that teaches teamwork while increasing their physical activity. With ten teams of over 150 members, our children are eager to strap on their flags and play weekly. Our goal is for the children to have a positive experience, where everyone will be able to participate.
Good sportsmanship will be encouraged by the coaches while instilling positive values and a sense of commitment. The weekly recognition of the members will be identified for contribution to the team, and not limited to the field. Our participants big and small will be able to see that sportsmanship and teamwork is not limited to those with athletic ability.
Flag football is about working together as a team, getting along with all types of personalities, backgrounds and cultures. This program will help to educate the youth about diversity and respecting each other differences. This is what Boys and Girls Clubs are about: creating opportunities and teachable moments. We encourage, support and keep it positive. By helping to teach these values our youth come away with higher self esteem and a positive self image.
The partnership of the NFL and Boys and Girls Club of America will teach our members how to have fun while learning to work together. This collaboration will foster acceptance of all and carry over into the workforce and adulthood. Working as a team, today’s youths will become problem solvers, leaders, and have greater coping skills. These characteristics are crucial to becoming a productive member in today’s society.
The Boys and Girls Club is not just a” drop in” recreational facility. It’s a place where activities focus on Character and Leadership, Education and Career, Health and Life Skills and Arts and Sports. All of our activities help to build a well-rounded child. Our past and current club members felt the Boys and Girls club has given them a sense of belonging.
On a recent survey completed by our parent’s, many of them felt The Boys and Girls Club provided positive, and enriching programs that were beneficial to their families.
The success of our after school programs have been well documented. They have kept children away from gang violence and drugs. The flag football program is another example of the Boys and Girls clubs commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for the children living in Fillmore, Santa Paula, and Piru.
The Boys and Girls Club is a place where everyone is welcomed. Culture, race, economic background is celebrated. It’s not just for the disadvantaged and at risk. It’s a place to have fun, learn, meet new friends and be recognized. The Boys and Girls Club, the NFL and the NFL Players Association are committed to providing opportunities and programs that will benefit the children of the Santa Clara Valley.
The Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clara primary goal is to inspire enrich and enable the healthy growth and development of all youth in a supportive and safe environment.
