A new collaboration between Fields & Futures, OKCPS Athletics, OKC Police Athletic League, Oklahoma Cleats for Kids and OKC Parks & Recreation has resulted in a new inner-city youth league for 6th graders who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in league play. After many months of conversation and planning, we are happy to see this new league up and running! Special thanks to the Bob Stoops Champions Foundation for their support.
We had a great turnout last weekend at our kick-off event at Jefferson Middle School. Students from 12 different schools—Rancho Village, Chavez Elementary, Hillcrest, Southern Hills, Coolidge, Wheeler, Prairie Queen, Capitol Hill, Hayes, Bodine, Lee and Fillmore joined us. Everyone had a chance to meet each other and parents had a chance to register their children to play. The kids participated in flag football and volleyball drills, so they could get a feel for the equipment and get acquainted with some of the league rules. Some of these kids have never played in an organized league, so it was a good way for them to get their first experience with a sport to prepare them for upcoming practices and first games.
Our special guest on Saturday was the Stingray Volleyball Club, who helped run the event while we were speaking with parents and answering questions. Thanks to the coaches and PE teachers who came out to support their players and assist with the event. A big thanks also to Jefferson Middle School principal Heather Messer and staff, who were very accommodating at Saturday’s event. We have a lot of momentum going into next Saturday for our first pre-season scrimmage. This gives the players one more week to get accustomed to the rules and their teammates. The following Saturday (10/31) will be the first game, a double-header. All games for now will be played at Jefferson or Webster Middle School, where Fields & Futures has provided new athletic fields.
We’re excited about this new initiative. It’s definitely a work in progress, but so far it’s been very well received. We don’t have all the answers yet, but what we heard from parents at this first event is they’re excited their kids get the opportunity to play in a league and are happy to help any way they can. We’ve been listening to parents and they’ve been looking at leagues from some other schools and some other areas and there’s really just nothing for them to take advantage of, so we’re meeting a need here in southwest OKC that, in many cases, just hasn’t been met.
Stay tuned for updates!