Preventing kids from getting into trouble is the goal of a youth football league that's active in a half dozen communities around the Triangle.

The team was the dream of one man, who realized football could become a catalyst towards addressing many of the issues affecting teens and young men these days.

Most teams want players who are there for the long haul, but this is one team that wants to get rid of its players as soon as possible.

"We're going to push you to achieve your goals, whatever they may be, "said Daryl Thomas, the founder of the Carolina Football Development League. "If your goal is to get back into high school and play ball or to go into the military or play college ball we'll support you and do whatever we can to help that happen."

Started in 2003, the program helps kids with a variety of issues who are at risk whether it's because of bad grades, gang involvement, or attendance problems at school. Its goal --prevention and rehabilitation.

"We want to make sure we turn these young men into good solid citizens, solid students, or good parents," said Thomas. "We want them to be better people."

Although the program has evolved through the years one thing remains constant -- to teach the young men involved in it how to act responsibly.

Sheygun Shields is a 23-yr-old father of twin girls who was heading down the wrong path before he found the league.

"...Oh man I have so many dreams,' he said. "I'm trying to get turned around, because when you got kids you have to make your life the right way."

George Duarte, 19, Calvin Amerson, 18, and 17-year old Jamie Holt are on the team. All have NFL dreams. But the program has helped them learn there are other things out there for them as well as football.

Duarte has become so involved in the program, he makes it the centerpiece of his life.

"I used to work five days a week. now I work three just so I can come to practice," he said.

The program has taught Amerson how to be a leader instead of a follower.

"In order to be a good role model you have to first check yourself out and be a leader yourself," he maintained.

Holt's been exposed to things that will help him well after his football days.

"I either want to be an accountant or business technology guy, so if football don't work, I've got a backup plan," he said.

With teams in Holly Springs, Wilson, and Durham as well as in Raleigh, the league could use a lot more volunteers.

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Related Links

1. Carolina Football League