This past weekend began year two for a special metro-area facility geared toward aspiring gridiron greats. The youth-specific football field at the Kansas City Chiefs Training Facility was a rousing success in its first season. Enabling youth to get a taste for playing the game they love just like the Chiefs players do, the field is located adjacent to the very location that their NFL heroes use daily. The facility, which is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL, has become a very popular destination in 12 short months.

“We began playing flag football by NFL Flag™ rules in 2007, and had about 85 kids participating,” noted Daniel Capps who is the Boys and Girls Clubs Program Coordinator for Sports, Fitness & Recreation. “Last year, the Club was graciously invited to use this youth field, and the excitement was instantaneous. Being able to play on a synthetic field that close to Arrowhead Stadium drove so many more of our kids to play football. Our league had its most successful season to date thanks in large part to the Kansas City Chiefs and this field. We can’t wait to start playing on it again this year!”

In all, over 6,000 youth football players and coaches participated in games and/or practices on the field. In addition, approximately 17,000 spectators have watched youth teams from such leagues and teams as Bishop Miege High School, Blue Springs Football, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, Della Lamb, Football and Cheerleading Club of Johnson County, GKCFCA Missouri All-Stars, Heart of America Pop Warner, Kansas City Pop Warner, Police Athletic League, and the YMCA of Greater Kansas City.

“I thought it was great that Chiefs players took their time to come and speak with the youth at our games,” gushed Christine Snell whose son played on the field last season. “This opportunity gives all these kids an amazing amount of inspiration. They all thought it was such an awesome experience.”

Erected in the shadows of Arrowhead Stadium, this field came to fruition thanks to the Chiefs Children’s Fund, the Hunt family and the NFL Youth Football Funding Board. Built with a state-of-the-art Sprinturf playing surface, the arena is just the second of its kind located at an NFL team’s official training facility. That fact alone enables all youth who use it to dream big and feel as though they are a part of the Chiefs themselves.

“I thought it was great to get a chance to play right by where the Chiefs actually practice” said youth football player Dakoda James. “It was cool seeing Chiefs players – they were bigger than I thought! I hope someday I can be just like them.”

The Chiefs efforts to promote and expand youth football are at the forefront of the organization’s focus. With the addition of a new metro field renovation project to be announced later this fall, the Chiefs organization has donated $1.85 million for local field refurbishments and/or construction the past 11 years. The team also helps with the up-keep at each field to make sure they are kept in superb condition.

This youth-specific field is just another of the organization’s efforts to support the game of football. Last year, the team sponsored a High School Development Program (HSPD) camp at Ruskin High School. Representing three school districts, students from East, Hickman Mills, Raytown, Raytown South and Ruskin high schools were able to take advantage of this innovative program. HSPD is comprised of an online academic and life skill curriculum and 10 hours of on-field, fundamental skill development by position.

Additionally, the Chiefs once again recognized USA Football Month at its annual Youth Football Celebration games. In all, over 4,000 youth football players and coaches toured the perimeter of the Arrowhead Stadium turf during pregame ceremonies throughout the preseason.

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