In a new segment I like to call 'Sports Beat' set to take place every Wednesday on the site, I decided to take a step back and look at the relationship between music and sport, this week showcasing football through the eyes of none other than hip hop legend Snoop Dogg. Right off the bat I know what some of you might be thinking, what does a kid from suburban Portland know about hip hop music? I guess a better question is what don't I know about coaching and participating in youth athletics, in particular youth football.
While I myself am a huge fan of Snoop and am more inclined to listen to Northwest underground hip hop like that of Blue Scholars from Seattle, I find the Long Beach natives efforts to be unbelievably relevant in terms of musics overall impact in sports. Lets face it, without our beloved stadium soundtracks, pregame pump up music and over the top introduction sequences every Sunday, NFL games and sports in general would not pack as much flavor without those familiar beats encouraging those 75,000 fans in attendance to stand on their feet and 'GET LOUD!'
But without youth football the system would be flawed. Where else would 8 to 14 year olds turn without the coaches, parents, volunteers and officials that organize and run America's youth league organizations. In my eyes, Snoop's ability to take time out of his busy schedule to commit days, weeks, months and in this case years of his life to the development of youth athletics, is a testament to his passion for the game and his willingness to support the children in his community. While I can't really say when I first realized Snoop was a true football fanatic, an image of a LenDale White touchdown at USC a few years ago could probably sum up the experience in a nutshell. After scoring a touchdown in the first half, White handed the ball off to Snoop who was standing behind the west endzone. Snoop graciously received the ball, found the camera and went into a textbook Heisman pose for the Trojan faithful...Well played Snoop, well played!
But Snoops Youth Football League isn't a joke, and in its entirety appears to be no small feat as well. Snoop Dogg’s five-year-old South Central Los Angeles-based youth football league is comprised of roughly 2,500 players encompassing 12 teams.
Having teamed up with sponsors like 7-Eleven and Xenith, Snoop is looking to generate buzz around the Los Angeles area, while raising money to support the SYFL.
Snoop's plan serves a two fold approach which is to raise awareness for the reduction of risk and severity associated with brain injury (concussion) through both innovation and education using the new Xenith X1 football helmet, as well as, leverageing 7-Elevens new "Coffee Cup With A Cause" program. As the fourth designer in their charitable "Coffee Cup With A Cause" program, proceeds from Snoop's cup will benefit the Snoop Youth Football League (SYFL) as a way to help inner-city kids spend their free time in a healthy, safe environment.
Looking to further his program and develop communities with which other children in similar circumstances can enjoy the game of football, Snoop has set his eyes on expanding to neighborhoods within inner-city Chicago. The West Coast rapper-actor will kick off plans Friday to set up local operations for the Snoop Youth Football League at a free football clinic for about 200 8 to 14 year old boys from Chicago Housing Authority families. He will also distribute book bags and school supplies to 600 children at a Windows of Opportunity Inc. Back to School event. Chicago is the first city outside of California to get league teams and with any success will surely not be the last.
As a former youth and high school football coach I can tell you that there is no better feeling than sharing your knowledge and passion for sport with others, in particular children. The greatest thing about working with these kids is their willingness to learn, attention to detail and ability to make strides and improve on a daily basis. Sports teaches sportsmanship, fair play, camaraderie, teamwork and self discipline which are all characteristics that pertain to life outside the lines. My greatest satisfaction was watching the progress my players made and the commitment these players make in terms of becoming and maintaining their status as a student-athlete. Without a solid foundation in your studies, sports become secondary. I believe that Snoop and everything he embodies; hard work, commitment, dedication to one's craft and personal style are all skills that translate well onto the playing field and will serve he and his league well now and into the future.
In a new segment I like to call 'Sports Beat' set to take place every Wednesday on the site, I decided to take a step back and look at the relationship between music and sport, this week showcasing football through the eyes of none other than hip hop legend Snoop Dogg. Right off the bat I know what some of you might be thinking, what does a kid from suburban Portland know about hip hop music? I guess a better question is what don't I know about coaching and participating in youth athletics, in particular youth football.
While I myself am a huge fan of Snoop and am more inclined to listen to Northwest underground hip hop like that of Blue Scholars from Seattle, I find the Long Beach natives efforts to be unbelievably relevant in terms of musics overall impact in sports. Lets face it, without our beloved stadium soundtracks, pregame pump up music and over the top introduction sequences every Sunday, NFL games and sports in general would not pack as much flavor without those familiar beats encouraging those 75,000 fans in attendance to stand on their feet and 'GET LOUD!'
But without youth football the system would be flawed. Where else would 8 to 14 year olds turn without the coaches, parents, volunteers and officials that organize and run America's youth league organizations. In my eyes, Snoop's ability to take time out of his busy schedule to commit days, weeks, months and in this case years of his life to the development of youth athletics, is a testament to his passion for the game and his willingness to support the children in his community. While I can't really say when I first realized Snoop was a true football fanatic, an image of a LenDale White touchdown at USC a few years ago could probably sum up the experience in a nutshell. After scoring a touchdown in the first half, White handed the ball off to Snoop who was standing behind the west endzone. Snoop graciously received the ball, found the camera and went into a textbook Heisman pose for the Trojan faithful...Well played Snoop, well played!
But Snoops Youth Football League isn't a joke, and in its entirety appears to be no small feat as well. Snoop Dogg’s five-year-old South Central Los Angeles-based youth football league is comprised of roughly 2,500 players encompassing 12 teams.
Having teamed up with sponsors like 7-Eleven and Xenith, Snoop is looking to generate buzz around the Los Angeles area, while raising money to support the SYFL.
Snoop's plan serves a two fold approach which is to raise awareness for the reduction of risk and severity associated with brain injury (concussion) through both innovation and education using the new Xenith X1 football helmet, as well as, leverageing 7-Elevens new "Coffee Cup With A Cause" program. As the fourth designer in their charitable "Coffee Cup With A Cause" program, proceeds from Snoop's cup will benefit the Snoop Youth Football League (SYFL) as a way to help inner-city kids spend their free time in a healthy, safe environment.
Looking to further his program and develop communities with which other children in similar circumstances can enjoy the game of football, Snoop has set his eyes on expanding to neighborhoods within inner-city Chicago. The West Coast rapper-actor will kick off plans Friday to set up local operations for the Snoop Youth Football League at a free football clinic for about 200 8 to 14 year old boys from Chicago Housing Authority families. He will also distribute book bags and school supplies to 600 children at a Windows of Opportunity Inc. Back to School event. Chicago is the first city outside of California to get league teams and with any success will surely not be the last.
As a former youth and high school football coach I can tell you that there is no better feeling than sharing your knowledge and passion for sport with others, in particular children. The greatest thing about working with these kids is their willingness to learn, attention to detail and ability to make strides and improve on a daily basis. Sports teaches sportsmanship, fair play, camaraderie, teamwork and self discipline which are all characteristics that pertain to life outside the lines. My greatest satisfaction was watching the progress my players made and the commitment these players make in terms of becoming and maintaining their status as a student-athlete. Without a solid foundation in your studies, sports become secondary. I believe that Snoop and everything he embodies; hard work, commitment, dedication to one's craft and personal style are all skills that translate well onto the playing field and will serve he and his league well now and into the future.
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