FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — They are preparing for the postseason at Holmes Playground in Fresno.
The Valley Boys youth football program will compete in the national championship in Florida this December.
“Our defense is good,” Lemali-Jefferson said.
Winning the West Regional is an opportunity for both the 6-and-under and 9-and-under teams to make a statement for the Valley.
“We are not your average youth football team,” said Kelvin Young, vice president of Valley Boys Football. “We travel all over the country and play for bigger fish.”
Now in his fourth season, Coach Young has started a program that uses sports as a way for local kids to experience life outside of the Valley.
“I’m just trying to show the kids something I’ve never experienced,” he said.
The under-6 team is learning as they play.
“It’s so rewarding to see them grow. They start out not knowing anything about running and catching passes,” says Kennett Jones, Under 6 Head Coach.
The Under-9 is getting closer and closer every day.
The program has some additional help.
“We also have cheerleaders,” Young said. “You know, we turn it into a family. It’s bigger than football. We’re teaching these kids how to be young men. Basic life skills that they learn on the football field. can be applied to real life.”
Skills the boys are trying to bring to the Sunshine State.
For coaches, each game is its own Super Bowl.
“Stay disciplined, dominate and come back as national champions at the 6u and 9u levels as well,” Young said.
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