VIRGINIA EAGLES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

HAMPTON, Virginia, 23669-4671 United States

Mission Statement

Our mission is to empower youth through a comprehensive sports program that integrates tutoring, mentoring, and conflict resolution, fostering personal growth and community engagement. We strive to create a safe environment where young people can develop essential life skills, build confidence, and make positive choices that lead to a brighter future. We envision a community where every young person has the opportunity to thrive, free from the threat of violence. Through holistic support and mentorship, we aim to cultivate resilient, empowered individuals who actively contribute to a peaceful, vibrant society. Our goal is to transform lives and create pathways to success for all youth, regardless of their circumstances. We were established in 2014 based out of Hampton, Virginia. We joined Pop Warner and played in that league until 2018. In 2019, we joined the PYFCO and moved to unlimited weight football. We currently house over 150 athletes for football and cheer. We have 5 different age divisions ranging from 5-14 for both football and cheer. What separates our Program from the rest is our commitment to our families and the community. We take pride in going above and beyond for our student-athletes to make sure they have a great experience each and every season. We never measure our success by wins and losses. Success to us is determined by the feedback we get from our parents and athletes after the season is over as it relates to their overall experience as well as interaction with our board members and coaches of our program. Our vision for the future is to simply get stronger in numbers by creating a culture of success on and off the field. That starts with the leadership and works it's way down. Putting strong coaches and mentors in place and creating a fun and safe environment that teaches the game of football/cheer as well as life lessons through mentoring, community service opportunities, group outings, etc. Maintaining a program that prides itself on structure, organization, quality leadership, community service and a winning culture on and off the field is what will separate us for many years to come. We take pride in our Brand and will continue to grow it one student athlete at a time. As someone deeply invested in our community, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges our youth face. Running a sports program that integrates tutoring, conflict resolution, and mentoring is about more than just games; it's about creating a safe haven for our young people—a space where they can thrive both on and off the field. Every day, I see the impact we have. The energy is palpable as kids arrive for practice, their laughter and camaraderie filling the air. But behind that joy lies a stark reality. Many of these kids come from neighborhoods where gun violence is an all-too-common occurrence. Most recently, one of our program participant’s mother was shot and killed. It's heart-wrenching to think that while she should be focused on her dreams, she now has to grapple with grief, fear and uncertainty. Our program offers more than just sports; it's a holistic approach to youth development. The coaching staff isn't just focused on athletic skills; we prioritize building character. Each practice begins with a moment of reflection—talking about respect, teamwork, and how to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. We know that teaching these life skills is crucial. Incorporating tutoring into our program has made a significant difference. Many of our kids struggle academically, often because they face instability at home or lack support in their studies. We provide after-school tutoring that not only helps improve their grades but also builds confidence. When kids see their hard work paying off, it changes their outlook. They begin to realize that they can achieve their goals, whether that's making the honor roll or excelling in sports.

About This Cause

Our program offers more than just sports; it's a holistic approach to youth development. The coaching staff isn't just focused on athletic skills; we prioritize building character. Each practice begins with a moment of reflection—talking about respect, teamwork, and how to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. We know that teaching these life skills is crucial. Incorporating tutoring into our program has made a significant difference. Many of our kids struggle academically, often because they face instability at home or lack support in their studies. We provide after-school tutoring that not only helps improve their grades but also builds confidence. When kids see their hard work paying off, it changes their outlook. They begin to realize that they can achieve their goals, whether that's making the honor roll or excelling in sports. Mentorship is at the core of what we do. Each child is paired with a mentor who offers guidance, support, and a listening ear. These relationships often develop into a lifeline for the youth, providing them with a positive role model who understands their struggles and encourages them to pursue their passions. We've seen kids transform through these connections, developing resilience and a sense of purpose. One of our most pressing initiatives is gun violence prevention and intervention. We recognize that we can't ignore the realities these kids face outside our walls. Through community partnerships, we organize workshops that address the dangers of gun violence, teaching kids how to navigate conflicts and make safer choices. We also work closely with families, helping them access resources and support to create safer home environments. The community response has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents and local leaders recognize the value of our program—not just for the kids involved, but for the entire neighborhood. When young people feel valued and supported, they are less likely to engage in violence and more likely to contribute positively to society. This work is not easy, and the challenges can feel insurmountable at times. But when I see a young person score a goal, ace a test, or engage in a meaningful conversation about their future, I know we're making a difference. Each small victory is a testament to the potential within our youth and the transformative power of community support. By investing in programs like ours, we're not just offering a reprieve from violence; we're building a future where our kids can flourish. This is about creating opportunities and fostering hope—one game, one lesson, and one relationship at a time. Together, we can change the narrative for our youth and, ultimately, for our community.

VIRGINIA EAGLES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
40 Allison Sutton Dr
HAMPTON, Virginia 23669-4671
United States
Phone 704-232-8662
Unique Identifier 814961016