Coach Rafiyq doing it right

[dallcow4life28]

Had a chance to go vibe with Coach Rafiyq, and get some scrimmages in. We had a good time just chillin with Coach Ronnie too. Rafiyq had some kids over from his local area, and has been teaching these kids how to play EF, from the ground up. He has donated his time, and some of his many teams to these kids to get them going.

Just standing there watching Rafiyq get down with these kids as a true mentor got me to thinking back to when I was their age, and the excitement of getting a new board, or teams. I was very impressed with Rafiyq's ability to reach these kids. This was some real stuff. Now I see why he bought some small boards from me recently. I also donated three custom teams for Rafiyq's young crew.

I was standing there watching these kids play, and I couldn't help but think, "what am I doing to teach the game". EF could die with our generation, if we don't pass our knowledge down. Alot of guys get on this board, and write about how much they do for the game, and such, and just want pats on the back. As much as you may give to the game, and there are alot of guys that do--are you passing on your knowledge?

Off the soapbox now. I just want to say thanks to Coach Rafiyq for the fellowship, and give him his props. He is the most passionate coach I know. Nobody brings the heat like Fiyq!

[Reginald Rutledge]

this subject up about giving back in the MF way. Some guys talk a good game about going out into the community and helping kids but when they are met with any resistance, they give up or just say, "I got a feelin' that the game dies with us". What a terrible attitude to take.

Some guys do have good intentions but want you to help steer the way or play a major role in it. Right now, I am loving not to ever going back and playing in leagues because guys take that so much for granted. Most think you are there to serve them but they have no need to serve others.

When you develop leagues, the hope is that some (if not all) of those guys will recruit other guys and children young and old to be a part of what you are doing. At one time, we had looked at having mentoring programs for young people, to teach the game, etc.

There were so many things I personally wanted to do for the game but without the type of support that is needed, I was only able to get the DFW up and rolling.

I talked about how guys thought that just wins and few losses would gain them respect or put them into the Halls of Fames but I think I give so much more respect to those who give back to their community than whether or not you successfully won a football game. Honestly, that means nothing to me.

So I applaud a guy like Rafiyq for his work in the community. He's more of a HOF than most. And I applaud you Dallcow4life for humbly bringing a subject of another coach and young man to the forefront. Most times, if the talk ain't about ourselves, we will never mention others. So kudos to both you and that crazy man, Rafiyq! Keep doing it down in the South.

Reg

[artlax]

Elementary schools are looking for after school activities. I ran a EF 6 week program (posted pictures here too) at my son's elementary with games - gave each kid a QB and balls (PTA even paid for the gear!!!) and we ran passing and kicking competitions- gave a away a game set - they really enjoyed it.

Try local boys and girls clubs, setting up in the local mall, etc...people will stop to watch and check it out and if kids know you will be there - say every week for a month or every other week they will stop back.

And sometimes you get a low turn-out - don't let that hold you back.

Even if the kids only hang with it a couple of years or a couple of months you have done something great in their lives and for the hobby.

[RAFIYQ]

Thanks for all the kind words,as i begin this,the kids just walked into my house..man! The feeling you get,seeing them excited about our hobby,it's not dead yet..Marlon,those teams are HOT! Thanks bruh,we appreciate the lookout..Reg,im gonna be hitting you up soon,they want the FF.net figs(and your VOLS stadium your kneeling in,TWEAK magazine).Well they just lost a ball,gonna help them find it..Marl,tell your kids they can practice foreal games now

[aer]

That doesn't surprise me at all that he is giving back and helping the hobby move.It's not just the kids,there have been quite a few teams ex and current that have played in our league due to Rafiyq turning them on to the game.Most of them have become excellent coaches.Rafiyq has a definite passion for this game it shows on and off the field of play.He has been critizied for being outspoken at times ,but his points are for the most part right on the money.Hey Coach Rafiyq I see I have those Chargers on my schdule this year.I can't wait for that game,I know win or lose that will be an enjoyable game to play with no BS going on during it.Keep up the passion coach.
P.S. I still think about that playoff game with the steelers you had last year.You played great and even in defeat you exhibited alot of class,which in return earned you alot of respect.

[Coach K-LO]

great stuff!

[GrandMasterKC]

50% league/comp and 50% kids/learning/teaching/or simply teaching a rookie coach how to up his game. If you ever need nything give me a holla bro...at a certain point I just started buying stuff and putting it off to the side for the kids. 1)I have the pleasure of doing the kids stuff as a curriculum with my new job and it never ceases to amaze me with the joy it brings them to be a part of something good. 2) the willingness that coaches in this hobby will go all out to see that you succeed with the kids. 3) The good feeling you get when one of the kids let you know how special it is to have you in there life...especially when they may not have a positive male role model to look up to

Originally Posted by RAFIYQ

Thanks for all the kind words,as i begin this,the kids just walked into my house..man! The feeling you get,seeing them excited about our hobby,it's not dead yet..Marlon,those teams are HOT! Thanks bruh,we appreciate the lookout..Reg,im gonna be hitting you up soon,they want the FF.net figs(and your VOLS stadium your kneeling in,TWEAK magazine).Well they just lost a ball,gonna help them find it..Marl,tell your kids they can practice foreal games now

[Joeram57]

Yep, he is a "hek" of a guy and helps a lot of folks...the thing is he doesn't tell everyone what he does, he does it altruistically. I have asked guys, did you do your team? No, Rafiyq gave them to me and the bases...

As far as from my own experience, every time he comes near the board I'm playin on he ALWAYS says something positive to me just to help my confidence...I am happy to see he is working w/the kids now, I'm sure they respect the "hek outta him...