A smile spread across the face of 9-year-old Tyler as his fingers wrapped around the snow-white laces on the dark tanned pigskin.
There’s no place he’d rather be. He’s with his friends on the field learning how to play football… learning how to tackle life… learning how to find victory in Jesus. Tyler was at the Lord’s Gym Ministries Panthers Football Camp, a three-day skill-building session, held in conjunction with Sports Reach. The camp was held this past week through the weekend, at IDEA Public Schools, a nonprofit charter school in Price Hill.
Zach Arington, with the Arington Foundation and Sports Reach, was helping at the Lord’s Gym Football Camp. “We’re here to give these teams more credibility and a boost and to spread the gospel,” he said.
Sports Reach is a nonprofit that provides opportunities for athletes, coaches, and fans to reach the world for Christ through sports. They do this through local and international trips.
Zach was also involved in last year’s camp. He said it was good to be back again.
“It’s like a breath of fresh air seeing all that Lord’s Gym Ministries is doing in Price Hill,” he said. “It’s very encouraging to see the work they are doing for the community.”
For Tyler and the other 50 kids involved, the Lord’s Gym football program means the world.
“I feel so good when I’m on the field,” Tyler said. “It means so much to me having the chance to play. Lord’s Gym is pretty great, they do so many great things for us.”
Quincy, 12, agrees. Quincy likes everything about football.
“I like the energy, the action and the competition,” he said. “It’s so great that we have this chance.”
Volunteer Coach Leon who has been involved with Lord’s Gym for several years said he likes coaching for the program because he knows he’s making a difference.
“Price Hill is a rough area, but Lord’s Gym is changing that,” Leon said. “Lord’s Gym is bringing hope to this community.”
According to Leon, the football program is more than just teaching the kids about the sport.
“We’re teaching them how to be young men… men of Christ,” he said. “Being a coach gives me something positive to do. God gave me the ability to play football in school and I’m just using what God has given me to make a difference in the lives of these kids.”
The kids’ families are appreciative and have noticed the difference Lord’s Gym is making in the lives of their children and the future of the Price Hill community.
“This football program is a great thing,” said Shawna, whose son plays with the Panthers. “It gets the kids off the street and teaches them a better way. Also, this is a healthy activity. It gets them in shape, teaches them right from wrong and keeps them from getting into trouble. Best of all, my son loves it.”
Kayla, whose daughter and son play said there are so many benefits.
“It’s been so good for them,” she said. “It gets them active and meeting other kids and it pushes them out of their comfort zones. I’ve noticed better behavior and communication and listening skills at home too.”
Kyle with Sports Outreach said that sports are a great way to reach young people. He knows this from his own experience. Playing football in his youth, shaped his entire life.
“Football is one of the greatest gifts God has given me in my life,” he said. “It’s made me a better person; a better family member and it’s taught me strength and that you’ve just gotta try and try and try. It can teach these things to these kids too.”
