Those who were present as Snoop kicked off the event, report that he danced and high-fived as his music played, seeming to be intent on meeting every single one of the kids who showed up to participate.
“When I walked into the building, I felt the spirit,” the rapper said of the thunderous welcome he received from the crowd. He spoke of the California league and how thousands of kids have been inspired to focus on education as a result of participating in the football program there. He’s hoping Chicago youth will do the same and use the opportunity to set goals, focus on the future and experience the personal growth that comes with being a part of a team.
“I want to give them something to fight for,” he said of his reasons for expanding the league to the Midwest. “At the end of the day, they’re our future.”
According to Snoop Dogg, the league prides itself on a strong support system of coaches and parents. “We’re teaching life skills now,” he said, referring to the program’s real-life approach.
“We’re going to the toughest areas,” he said. “We’re going to deal with them face-to-face.”
The league in California has eight chapters with more than 3,000 participants. Chicago’s league, which officially starts in August and is open to youth ages 7-14, will have six chapters with more than 1,500 participants.
