The Carolina Panthers recently helped the Stratford Richardson YMCA, which serves Charlotte's West Boulevard corridor, kick off off its fledgling youth flag football league in style.
Ten teams in three age divisions experienced the Bank of America Stadium game day tradition of running onto the field though smoke and the Panthers head - just like the Panthers players - led by Sir Purr.
The Panthers partnered with the YMCA to secure a $100,000 NFL Grassroots field grant to construct the athletic fields. The Panthers also provided grant funding to help underwrite the program costs of the branch's first-ever youth flag football league.
"This is a great day for the Startford Richardson YMCA community. The joy on the faces of the kids is all you need to see," said Riley Fields, the Carolina Panthers director of community relations.
