Stepping beyond the field, programs by both the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley and the Next Level Football College Preparation are offering lifelines to youth, instilling leadership skills, and providing academic support. These initiatives go to lengths beyond the standard after-school activities, tackling the bigger game of life preparedness.
Told by ABC15, Debi Johnson a single mother of five, counted on her local Boys & Girls Club of the Valley for guidance and support in keeping her children active and on the right track. Her oldest son, Adrijan Hyseni, found a haven and a passion for football at the club, qualities that he's carried to Peoria High School as a dedicated defensive player. Johnson recalled, "They didn't even want to leave at 8:00. Sometimes I'm like, ‘We gotta go [home],’" emphasizing the club's significant role in her family's life.
Elsewhere, in the realm of higher education and community influence, Next Level Football has been a game changer for over 50 aspiring athletes a year in Brockton, a town known more for its hard edges than its lush campuses. Launched in 2015 by Macey Russell, a local luminary, and Brockton High School alum, the program aims to equip under-resourced youth with the tools for academic success in college and beyond, as detailed by BGC Metro South.
While Hyseni no longer plays for the Boys & Girls Club, he attributes much of his success and leadership skills to the club's influence. "Financially, mentally, spiritually, physically, whatever it is, they're trying to help us," Hyseni told ABC15. He remains a beacon, setting an example at home and harboring ambitions that stretch to the professional leagues.
Contributing to the club's mission, a sports gear drive throughout February, facilitated by ABC15 in partnership with Earnhardt Auto Centers, has called upon community members for donations. These contributions fuel dreams and the athletic drive in many young individuals. "When we get new stuff, it makes us motivated to do more," Hyseni said, speaking to the motivating power of fresh gear on the field. Clearly, the difference these programs make is felt in the lives touched by generosity and the foresight of those willing to invest in the next generation's potential for greatness.
