Empowering Youth Through Sports: A Transformative Partnership in St. Petersburg

In a heartwarming display of community collaboration, a non-profit organization has expanded its reach to St. Petersburg, Florida, providing underprivileged youth with the opportunity to participate in sports and unlock their full potential. This remarkable initiative, fueled by the collective efforts of local businesses, law enforcement, and dedicated individuals, is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless young athletes.

Unlocking Opportunities, Empowering Futures

Bridging the Gap: Ferg's Sports Bar and CFY's Transformative Partnership

Ferg's Sports Bar, a beloved institution in St. Petersburg, has joined forces with the non-profit organization CFY (Coaches for Youth) to create a transformative partnership that is changing the lives of local youth. Mark Ferguson, the owner of Ferg's, is passionate about giving back to the community he grew up in, and this collaboration has allowed him to do just that.Through this partnership, CFY has expanded its reach into St. Petersburg, providing grants to youth sports programs that cover registration fees, equipment, and uniforms. These grants are a lifeline for families who might otherwise struggle to afford the costs associated with their children's athletic pursuits. By removing these financial barriers, CFY and Ferg's are ensuring that every child in the community has the opportunity to participate in sports, regardless of their family's economic circumstances.

A Collaborative Effort: The St. Petersburg Police Department's Commitment

The St. Petersburg Police Department has also stepped up to support this initiative, pledging ,000 annually to CFY's efforts in the city. Chief Anthony Holloway, who previously served on the non-profit's board of trustees, recognizes the profound impact that sports can have on young lives."There are a lot of parents out there that have to make up their mind to pay for this, or, 'do I need to get my child involved in that,'" Holloway said. "By getting your child off the streets and by giving these kids something else to do, it really gives us an opportunity, not only as a city, but as a county to grow."The police department's involvement underscores the belief that investing in youth sports can have far-reaching benefits, not only for the individual participants but for the entire community. By providing a positive outlet and fostering a sense of belonging, these programs can help steer young people away from harmful activities and towards a brighter future.

Empowering the Next Generation: The Impact on Local Sports Programs

The grants provided by CFY have had a transformative impact on local sports programs in St. Petersburg. One such recipient is the St. Pete Lil' Devils, a football and cheer program that serves over 300 children."We live in a community where the demographic is below poverty level for a lot of our parents," said Princess Daughtry, the Chair Coordinator of the St. Pete Lil' Devils. "For a lot of years, coaches, board members, we paid for cheerleaders and football players to play football. And so, receiving this grant, it'll allow the parent to still have some sense of pride and dignity and saying, 'oh yes, I can pay some,' but they're also able to get sponsorship from the community and from the grant."The Dunedin Little League is another beneficiary of the CFY grants. Meagan Barrows, the President of the league, expressed her gratitude for the support, stating, "This is huge for us because without grants like this, we'd have to increase registration, and we don't want to do that. We want to make baseball an opportunity for everyone."The grants have allowed these programs to focus on their core mission of providing a safe and inclusive environment for young athletes to thrive, without the constant worry of fundraising or turning children away due to financial constraints.

Expanding Horizons: CFY's Countywide Impact and Future Aspirations

CFY's impact extends far beyond St. Petersburg, as the non-profit serves more than 40 programs and 15,000 children across Pinellas County. In the latest grant cycle, the organization distributed over 0,000 in funding, the highest amount in its nearly 60-year history."Every dollar donated to CFY goes directly to the kids," said Kevin Dunbar, the Executive Director of CFY. "The coaches, the board members of these organizations are able to focus on the prize, which are the kids and so, by us providing the funding, they're not trying to either figure out how to raise funds or they're not trying to figure out what they're going to do about turning a child away."As CFY continues to expand its reach and secure additional partnerships, the organization's vision is to ensure that every child in Pinellas County has access to the transformative power of sports. By working closely with local law enforcement, businesses, and community leaders, CFY is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come, empowering the next generation of athletes and leaders.