There are countless ways for kids to show up as leaders at the Club. Some find their niche in the Tech Lab, some join leadership clubs or become peer mentors, and many step into leadership roles through team sports at their Club.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver team sports leagues offer kids an outlet for excess energy, an incentive to do well in school, opportunities to build supportive relationships with coaches and mentors, regular exposure to fun ways to exercise, and a strong sense of belonging as part of a team. They offer families affordable, accessible, and convenient ways to get kids involved in sports. When former athletes return to the Club, they all say the same thing: The lessons learned through Club sports helped them face other challenges in their lives.
This fall, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver will debut a flag football program with leagues for ages 6-8 and 9-11. This new program supplements our tackle football offerings (ages 9-11 and 12-13) and provides more kids with opportunities to learn important lessons through sports.
All of our programs, including sports, are grounded in social-emotional learning (SEL). That means our trained staff ensure that teams at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver are safe spaces where all kids belong. Throughout the season, coaches find intentional and specific ways to recognize each player – not just those who score touchdowns or snag amazing interceptions.
On our teams, there are countless ways kids can be successful. Our practice of recognizing each individual’s contribution builds confidence and self-esteem, and helps kids develop important skills on the field, in the classroom, and at home. Unlike school or traveling teams, there are no tryouts and no cuts. And, everyone who comes to practice consistently gets playing time.
On the field, kids practice responding with resilience when things don’t go their way. They learn to work together to solve problems. They plan, work hard, and see a goal to completion. Each season, players put in hours of practice and hard work, learning the grit and tenacity they need to overcome barriers and succeed in life.
Flag football leagues are free and tackle costs $5 per season. We provide all equipment, including cleats, helmets, and pads.
Kids and teens build supportive, encouraging relationships with coaches; families trust our staff to support kids in making good choices. And, some kids need an extra adult in their life who encourages them to do well in school, practice new skills, and persevere through challenges. Coaches show up for kids and each team becomes a family.
“There is one person that has made the biggest impact in my life, my mentor and friend, Coach Matt. He has been one of the best things in my life and I met him at the Boys and Girls Club,” says Jayden, Broncos Boys & Girls Club athlete. “He went from coach to mentor to friend and family.”
On the field, our members learn how to win with humility and lose with grace – lessons they carry with them long after they leave the Club.