Chicago Nonprofit Launches Flag Football Camp for Girls

This weekend, the Pullman Community Center on Chicago's South Side will transform into a hub of athleticism as it hosts a flag football camp specifically for girls. The event has garnered significant interest, with parents eager to enroll their daughters in this empowering initiative.

Darrin Cotton Jr., at just 24 years old, embodies a deep commitment to his hometown. "I just knew I wanted to help people, and that was my number one goal; help people that look like me and come from where I come from," he expressed, reflecting on his mission.

Five years ago, Cotton founded Concrete Rose 773, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting youth in the community. "Chicago's South Side is the concrete, and we have some roses that grow from that concrete; some special individuals," he explained, highlighting the resilience of local youth.

The organization primarily engages with young people through sports and food giveaways. This summer, however, the focus shifts to empowering young women. "We're reaching out to the young women this year. Girls need love, too," Cotton stated, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in sports.

On Sunday, over 100 girls will don jerseys for Concrete Rose's inaugural flag football camp. "We've got 130 girls in two weeks," Cotton noted, showcasing the overwhelming response to the initiative.

Beyond just sports training, Cotton aims to broaden the girls' horizons by introducing them to various career paths in athletics. "We have a whole women in sports expo that we're going to do where they'll be informed about different careers that they can take in sports," he said, aiming to inspire future leaders.

The timing of this camp is crucial, according to Cotton. "When kids kind of don't have an avenue to work with, or don't have leadership or guidance, they tend to make bad choices. So we're just trying to take 2 hours of the day, 4 hours of the day, and just teach them something, and maybe those 2 hours can save a life," he remarked, underscoring the program's potential impact.

Concrete Rose 773 continues to embody its mission: "A rose can grow from concrete, come from nothing. A star can shine in the darkest of places," Cotton affirmed, reinforcing the organization's vision.

While this week's camp has reached full capacity, another session is scheduled for next week, with spots still available for those interested in signing up their children.