Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley announced today that Buffalo Wild Wings is supporting their ALL STARS flag football and cheerleading programs this fall with a $12,000 grant. As part of Buffalo Wild Wings’ Team Up for Kids® initiative and partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the company is supporting 285 Clubs across the country this fall, creating sports programs that promote physical fitness and good sportsmanship.

The flag football and cheerleading programs began on August 26^th. The South Club held a pep rally on September 10^th to celebrate the season with introductions of the team players and performances by the cheerleading teams.  Team divisions consist of 6 & 7 year olds, 8 & 9 year olds, 9-12 year old girls, and 10-12 year old boys.  Each division has a game each week through the end of the season which concludes on October 9^th.

The grants also includes team jerseys and tools and resources from the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) which provides education and training programs for administrators and volunteer coaches to use across all team sports programs.

“During the out-of-school time, it is critical that we provide programming that helps kids learn about teamwork and the importance of good sportsmanship. These lessons become building blocks for skills that young people need as they move into adulthood,” said Rodney Close, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley.  “Thanks to Buffalo Wild Wings, our ALL STARS program is providing opportunities for kids to be part of a team – learning invaluable lessons and skills that will help them succeed at school, at home, at the Club and in life.”

“Once again, we are honored to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America for our ALL STARS program, impacting thousands of Club kids each year through team sports,” said Mary Twinem, Buffalo Wild Wings chief financial officer.  “We are committed to providing support and programs to the communities we serve, creating opportunities to teach life lessons and ignite a passion for sports.”

Buffalo Wild Wings is committed to donating $4 million to Boys & Girls Clubs of America by 2016 including funds raised through sauce and seasoning bottle sales and events in their restaurants. Now through October 31^st, Buffalo Wild Wings is promoting a fundraising campaign where 100 percent of every paper pinup Guests purchase in-restaurant will support BGCA youth sports programs.  The paper pinups can be purchased for a $1 minimum donation and will be displayed in restaurants.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America believes that all kids deserve a great future. Through the organization’s Great Futures Campaign, Clubs and supporters are working to mobilize the country around the critical issues facing America’s youth. Boys & Girls Clubs are committed to leading the way, assuring that every young person who enters a Club is on track to graduate from high school on time, and is prepared to succeed in college or a career, while demonstrating good character and living a healthy lifestyle.

Thanks to Buffalo Wild Wings, the ALL STARS program motivates kids to lead a healthy lifestyle through team sports while building good sportsmanship and self-esteem for Club kids.