|
For Johnny Jones, football is not just about winning or losing a game, it’s about helping others to win in life.
Jones, founder of the non-profit Fun 4 Kids, Inc., is also owner of the semi-professional football team, the Upper Marlboro Nokotas – a team he founded to help local young men learn team building skills and engage in an activity that will keep them out of trouble.
“Football has always been my outlet for releasing my stress or aggression. So I wanted to start my own team, where I could have other individuals who have anger issues or need an outlet to release their stress in a competitive and organized football environment,” Jones said.
While focused on making a difference in young men’s lives, the Nokotas was born out of Jones’ passion for the game of football. He and his wife Audrey run the non-profit and the team of all volunteer players and coaches.
For their season which starts in July, (home game opener July 24) the team practices for two hours twice week starting at 8:30 pm. Practices usually gather about 40 men to the outdoor field on which they play.
The team is committed to providing an electrifying plays, professionalism, sportsmanship and a sports atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy, Jones said.
“The sole purpose of the Nokotas is to provide an outlet for males out of high school that desire to play football as a means to stay out of trouble, and out of jail,” he said. “In the same effort they are able to channel different levels of aggression in a controlled but competitive and structured environment.”
The team and its members are very active in the community as well. They operate under the umbrella of Fun 4 Kids, Inc., which is a registered 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization that provide internships, mentoring, food, school supplies, community service hours to those on probation and high school students. Each player works in conjunction with Fun 4 Kids, Inc., in its endeavors to be a valuable resource to children and families.
The Nokotas also partner with the Marlboro Boys and Girls Club once a month up to four hours with various jobs relating to storage clean up or trash clean up.
The team is named after a breed of horse developed in the 1800s, a mixture of Spanish and Indian horses. Native Americans used the horses as war horses, buffalo runners, and all-purpose riding horses. The breed is valuable for its durability, athleticism, and intelligence.
“This translates into the quality players we attract and serve,” Jones said. “We bonded so quickly. The players respect the coaches, they don't complain, cuss on the field, argue or fight with one another. At the same time we have had family death on the team, and the players mourn as if it were their own family members. These guys are awesome.”
It took some time to get to that level. The Joneses started the team in 2008 with faith that if they started, they would attract the players and the money they needed.
“When we first started recruiting players about two years ago, sometimes it would just be [Johnny] and I waiting on the field for players who said they would be there, but never showed. We would return week after week waiting. Although, it was discouraging we continued to press,” said Audrey Jones. “This year is just awesome! We have guys joining the team left and right and they are committed and proud to be part of a team where they see the owners compassion for them to not only do well in football, but in their life overall. We have great coaches who are serious about working with these guys and they treat them with respect, and vice versa. My husband and I work well as a team, and I'm proud of him working hard to make a difference in these guys lives.”
Derrick Chiles, one of the newer players said the camaraderie on the team has moved him and changed his life.
“I’ve been out here for four weeks, and normally I do things and I quit, never sticking with anything. I have a new attitude now,” he said. “We’re in a family environment, and I just love it. I had my chances to play football before, and I blew it. I don’t want to quit anymore. My eyes have been opened. Hanging out with the fellas and listening to Audrey and Johnny has helped me so much.”
Akim Oliver, another player said he likes this approach to football.
“This organization is based on Christian beliefs, and is aimed to help in-trouble youth,” he said. “I’ve been with other football teams while living in New York, but Johnny’s coordination is different. Johnny is really out for the youth, because trouble is the main thing out there for them.”
Right now the team is trying to raise $10,000 for uniforms and equipment needed for the entire season, and they are looking for businesses and individuals willing to sponsor the team and volunteer.
“Our future is limitless with the support of the community,” Jones said. “With the talent and commitment that we have, we will attract big sponsors that will be instrumental in helping us become the 2010 MAFL (Mid Atlantic Football League) champions. We have the potential to rise to the top as a championship team that provides players with opportunities and substance.”
The team also is looking for more players: offensive and defensive lineman, kickers, defensive backs and wide receivers.
Most of all, they need fans in the stands to support the efforts and commitment of these men that have made a choice to use the game of football as a means of staying off the street, out of trouble and out of jail.
“It’s hard on Johnny because he’s doing it by himself,” Oliver said. “But he’s come a long way from starting from nothing, and [he] continues to help people like me.”
For more about the Upper Marlboro Nokotas, visit www.nokotasfootball.org. You can make an online donation, obtain practice times, and locations or you can contact the Nokotas office at 301-780-9045.
|
