Youth League – Week 4

Nov 7, 2015

We had beautiful weather for our second day of Youth League games. It’s exciting to watch these young athletes as they discover new talents and follow their coach’s guidance. You can sense the growing confidence in their voices as they eagerly explain their newfound roles on their teams. One flag football player said, “Coach put me in a new position when he saw that I was really good at pulling the flags. In the last game, I pulled more flags than anyone!”

We continue to see many teachers and principals at the games as they support their student-athletes. Even some of our coaches’ parents are coming out to watch the games and support their children.

One of the Jefferson Middle School P.E. teachers heard about the league, and decided to come out and watch the games. This league gave him the chance to see many of the 6th graders that will be entering his school next year. He was impressed with the talented athletes and level of competition he witnessed.

One P.E. teacher made multiple trips to the games this weekend. It was evident her students were so happy to see her on the sidelines. Young people never forget when their teachers make a special effort to attend their games, especially on a Saturday. It’s wonderful to see all the layers of family and community engagement on display each Saturday at Jefferson Middle School!

Game, Set, Impact: A Q&A With Our New Development Director, Emmy Hufnagel

Emmy Hufnagel is an avid tennis player, former triathlete, and the newest addition to the Fields & Futures team. As our Development Director, Emmy brings a wealth of experience in youth sports advocacy and nonprofit leadership. Having seen firsthand the impact of sports on young lives, Emmy is dedicated to helping us take the next big step—from building fields to filling them with kids.

Meet Cody Laurendi, Fields & Futures’ New Director of Soccer

Cody Laurendi is a former OKC Energy FC goalkeeper and the newest member of the Fields & Futures team. As Director of Soccer & Youth Sports Advocate, Cody has shifted his focus from playing the game to growing it. With his passion for the game and vision for increasing youth participation in Oklahoma City, Cody is a key player in helping us keep our goal of creating more opportunities on and off the pitch.

What Drives Capitol Hill and U.S. Grant Football?

U.S. Grant and Capitol Hill may be rivals, but their football programs have more in common than their annual "Southside Bedlam" rivalry game. From 2014-2020, the OSSAA allowed both programs to play as independents so they could create their own schedules and rebuild their programs. Now playing in Class 6A, neither team has found success in district play, but they also know the scoreboard isn't the only standard of success.

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