The Boys and Girls Club of Pike & Surrounding Counties was a-buzz with excitement Wednesday afternoon as the club kicked off it flag football season against the Ozark Boys and Girls Club.

The local Boys and Girls Club is participating in the Boys and Girls Club Flag Football League and kids wouldn’t be more excited if they were playing in the SEC.

Wayne Buchanan, Boys and Girls Club director, said the Flag Football League provides an opportunity for the club members to participate in an organized sporting event.

“Boys and girls between ages 9 and 14 can play on the football team,” Buchanan said. “In order to participate, they must keep their grades at a satisfactory level, come to the club regularly, and keep a positive attitude on and off the field. We teach the fundamentals of football, good sportsmanship, and team building skills.”

This year’s team is being sponsored by the National Association of Black Journalists at Troy University

“Because of this sponsorship, our team will have football jerseys for the first time,” Buchanan said. “This will help bring the team closer together and give our youth more of a sense of belonging.  We also incorporated a cheerleading squad.  With the help of a dedicated staff and volunteers, our cheerleading squad is prepared to cheer on our football team.”

Buchanan said the Flag Football League creates a positive atmosphere and provides a key element of opportunity and expectation for the youth it serves.

The Flag Football League is not the only program that is supported by Troy University students.

“Jonathan Cellon, Service Learning and Civic Engagement at Troy University, facilitated the six-weeks Healthy Kids program over the summer and continues to facilitate the program during the after-school program,” Buchanan said. “Healthy Kids encompasses the mind and body. This program creates a learning environment in which the youth are engaged in a two-part experience where they are taking part in classroom work material and practical application.”

The youth learn about the food groups, parts of a plant, the importance of eating a healthy diet, and staying activity.

“Once they are taught the subject matter, they participate in outdoor team building activities applying what they learned,” Buchanan said. “The youth also helped cultivate the three raised garden beds sponsored by the Service Learning and Civic Engagement department.”

Buchanan said, at the Boys and Girls Club, members are learning the value of academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character and citizenship.

“Most importantly, they are building positive supportive relationships with their peers, volunteers, and the professional staff,” he said. “We greatly appreciate the BGC volunteers, interns, and staff, who give of themselves and are willing to go above and beyond.

“It is only through this support we are able to fulfill our mission:  To enable all young people especially those who need us most to reach their full potential as caring, productive, and responsible citizens.”