OKC PAL Youth League – Hoops! Week 2

Feb 7, 2016

Although it’s only the second week of our new basketball league, our teams are already in mid-season form! So many of our students have never played basketball, yet their improvement is what had the crowd buzzing during Saturday’s games. The teams are gaining a better understanding of the rules of the game, offensive and defensive strategies and overall court awareness. Most importantly, they are having fun, competing and building character along the way.

As we saw during our flag football and volleyball season, as much as our coaches are interested in the athletic competition, they are most interested in their players’ attitudes and behavior—both on the court and in the classroom. Several coaches gave us valuable updates about their players and how they are doing in school. Parents have also acknowledged how the basketball league has impacted their children’s habits at home. One coach shared that the parents are happy to see their children practicing basketball at home instead of playing video games.

Our coaching staff continues to grow as well. We recently added an assistant coach who is a student at a nearby university. This college student heard about our league through a local church that has provided coaches for one of our teams. One of our other coaches invited her friend to join her on the sidelines last Saturday. Her friend had such a good time, she has already committed to come back next week and coach again!

We want to offer a special thanks to the Chavez girls’ team. They played a double header on short notice at our Webster league.

Daryen “DJ” Jefferson: In a Lane of His Own

Daryen "DJ" Jefferson isn't just another student-athlete at Douglass High School – he's wired a little bit differently. The high school valedictorian discovered his passion for long-distance running when he was 10 years old and hasn't looked back. As he prepares for the next chapter of his journey – college athletics – he's just hitting his stride and in a lane of his own.

F&F Booster Club – The Power of Many

Every supporter, partner, and donor who has been a part of our journey during the past 12 years can proudly say they are a member of the F&F Booster Club and have helped put more kids on more teams. But we will always need more boosters to support more kids. So, today, we are excited to launch a citywide effort to grow the F&F Booster Club. A donation of any amount automatically makes you a member!

Fields & Futures