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Challenger Football was created in 2006 in response to requests from Challenger Baseball players & their families who wanted the opportunity to play football and participate in cheerleading in addition to playing spring baseball. Participants are ages 5 to 21 with varying abilities and disabilities but all come together in A League of Their Own where everyone plays, everyone scores, and everyone wins! Currently, only those who are registered for West University Little League Challenger Baseball may play in the football and cheer league but in time, we hope to open the program to others, as well. Just as with other sports for players with challenges, Challenger Football is about the entire experience and transforming disabilities into abilities and achievements. With the assistance of Football Buddies, Challenger players will run/wheel, throw, catch, and score as in all football games. Even though no score is kept and this is a non-competitive environment, it is extremely exciting and fulfilling for all! Additionally, Challenger Cheerleaders add excitement on the sidelines.

All children, those with challenges to regular season players to all stars, deserve the chance to play and from one another, they learn sportsmanship and friendship that extends far beyond the sidelines and goal posts. The life lessons they learn will be carried on throughout their lives as all learn how to deal with those who are different from themselves. The players benefit from getting to play and meet others in a fun sports environment. By creating the buddy volunteer positions, we are not only helping create friendships, we are also building the leaders of tomorrow! Challenger players are no different from any other children – they all dream of playing organized sports and here is the opportunity for them to play football and cheer thanks to the efforts of so many.