Philadelphia Youth Football Academy

Being nominated for an Elevate Prize would introduce me to a new generation of professionals to established leaders in their fields.  I could participate in trainings, mentorships and other networking opportunities to connect fellows with executives, speakers, and mentors, many of whom are alumni for this program. Being awarded a Elevate Prize would expose me to opportunities to pursue fully development, implement and starting working on my project. This would be a unique opportunity for one-on-one hands-on field experience, really allowing myself to dive deep into the work I'm doing.

I have a B.A. (Mass Communication) and I'm near completion of his M.A. (Sport Administration). I bring energy, direction and dedication to the program; having worked with several nonprofits in mentoring, athletics and youth development for over 14 years. I worked and volunteered for the Institute for the Development for African American Youth’s Out of School Time After School and Summer Camp, the Roxborough YMCA, Germantown Boys and Girls Club, Concerned Black Men of Philadelphia and the International Student Athlete Academy. I have knowledge of methods of data collection, data entry and documentation.  I have familiarity with management of youth and young adults in urban communities; some who were adjudicated. I have an outstanding ability to communicate with people belonging to diverse backgrounds and in a public forum, effectively. Lastly,I have the ability to complete all assigned projects, in a timely manner and within allocated budgets.

Many Philadelphia youth attend schools that do not have after school athletic programming. As of recent, the relationship between residents and police has at times been tense. Obesity, civil unrest is VERY high in Philadelphia, lack of effective communication between youth, constituents and law enforcement is lacking. Unhealthy youth, youth violence, deviant and defiant actions is at an all-time high in Philadelphia. Lastly, there’s a sole focus out of school time-summer camp driven program geared toward youth football enrichment activities. To decrease this negativity; why not involve police and youth in popular athletics activities. Our participants will have deep conversations that break down barriers, physical fitness trainers, youth and cops, who they come to see as people, not just law enforcement authorities. Sports and proper human services can have a positive impact on youth violence and crime whether used as a diversion from crime or as a hook to bring participants into a wider range of activities, at least in the immediate time-frame. 

Through our Peace Games; we are teaching and engaging to learn and develop peacemaking skills. They are “learning the essential" social and emotional skills of empathy, personal awareness, relationship building, and promoting inclusion. This is law enforcement involved. Youth, police (when available) and coaches (mentors) will also participate in “The Locker Room”. This will be therapeutic sessions where everyone can discuss what’s really bothering them. Youth and adults have the opportunity and needed supports to become resilient and regulated individuals with positive adult and peer relationships and create positive relationships with teammates, friends, and family members. They are also become confident and competent members of their schools and larger communities. And achieve their highest level of academic success. No other sports based youth development programs in Philadelphia are offering these activities. 

Philadelphia Youth Football Academy exposes youth to positive role models and productive lifestyles to encourage them to remain in school and set positive goals for their adult lives. Our youth also participate in community engagement and civic activities involving improving their schools and communities; while developing themselves and their capacity becoming agents of change.