If community service factors into earning a roster spot in the NFL, one can expect to see at least 21 new faces sporting the Red and Gold this upcoming fall. Giving exemplary support to their new neighbors, the Kansas City Chiefs Rookie Club recently teamed with the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) to host a “sports camp” for youth with special needs. Even though this was the fifth and final event for this summer’s slate of Rookie Club activities, the group performed more like grizzled veterans and fresh-faced youngsters.

Each of the past four years, the Chiefs have teamed up with NSCD to hold this camp. While it marks the first year the rookies been involved, it was clearly the highlight of their off-season. This free interactive camp allows kids ages 6-18 with disabilities, physical and/or developmental, to experience the sport of football. The rookies provided instruction at each football station as the kids took to the gridiron. As the youth completed their football drills, the rookies were able to provide encouragement and assistance to the eager participants. When the camp concluded, the rookies signed autographs and shared a laugh with the competitors.

All summer long the Chiefs Rookie Club has provided exceptional aid to the local community. This outreach gamut includes serving food at the Cross Lines Annex, visiting youth at Children’s Mercy Hospital, partaking in construction work at a Habitat for Humanity site and tutoring youth at the Upper Room program. At each and every stop along the way, these rookies have taken the opportunity to introduce themselves to Kansas City.

This season marks the 10th year of existence for the Rookie Club. The first of its type, similar groups are now commonplace throughout the NFL. The role of the Rookie Club is to introduce first-year players to community organizations in their new hometown as a group. With the conclusion of this event, the Rookie Club will prepare for training camp before they begin their fall season of community outreach.

Founded in 1970, the NSCD’s mission is to positively impact the lives of people with any physical or mental challenge. This is accomplished through quality adaptive recreation programs in over 20 sports. Last year, the NSCD proudly opened the first branch office in Kansas City, in partnership with Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department. This branch provides high quality sports and recreation programs for individuals with disabilities in the community. For more information on the NSCD, visit www.nscd.org.

-CHIEFS COMMUNITY CARING, JOIN OUR TEAM-