In the heart of Indiana, a youth football league is making a significant impact on the lives of young athletes and their families. The Indy Firehawks, founded three years ago, have established themselves as an organization worth watching.
However, they aren’t just making plays on the turf; they are making changes in the Indianapolis community. The Indy Firehawks are more than just a football league; they are a family. The organization provides a safe and inclusive space for young athletes to develop their skills, learn the values of teamwork and sportsmanship and have fun.
Offensive coordinator Christian Cantrell of Indianapolis is a passionate coach and devoted father who has been instrumental in the Firehawks’ success.
“Our goal is to create a positive experience for every player,” Cantrell said. “We want to teach them the fundamentals of football, but we also want to instill in them the importance of values like hard work, dedication and respect.”
Cantrell’s son, Caiden, of Guion Creek Middle School, also plays football.
“Football taught me a lot about teamwork and sportsmanship,” Caiden said. “I didn’t just learn from my dad. I learned from all of my coaches, my teammates, I learned great lessons from everybody.”
Cantrell echoes similar sentiments, saying “Our motto is God, family, school.”
However, do not let the team name deceive you; the Indy Firehawks travel to play in tournaments out of state. Recently, the players got to take a trip to Florida to participate in a national tournament. After the contest, the young players got to have some fun on the beach.
Some players had never been outside of Indiana until joining the Firehawks.
“We want these kids to see more so that they know they can dream bigger and do more,” Cantrell said.
Additionally, the Firehawks give back to the community. They have hosted food drives, fundraisers, Thanksgiving meals to those in need and other events around the city. The league has also been involved in efforts to promote youth sports and encourage healthy lifestyles.
One of the most unique aspects of the Indy Firehawks is their dedication to player development. They offer a variety of programs to cater to athletes of all skill levels.
“We have a great coaching staff that is dedicated to uplifting our players,” Cantrell said. “[the Firehawks] focus on teaching the fundamentals and creating a positive learning environment. We want to prepare them for the next level, whether it is on the field of football or in the field of life.”
Cantrell has also taken the development even further. He founded “Bread&Butter Sports Talk,” a weekly segment highlighting not only the Firehawks, but all the youth football players making an impact in Indianapolis and beyond.
“Bread&Butter isn’t just Firehawks lip service, it is a platform that showcases talented student-athletes everywhere,” Cantrell said. “The show doesn’t just highlight our team; it is for everybody. We want every player to feel like a superstar, especially when they are doing the right thing.”
Cantrell, the Indy Firehawks and many youth sports organization continue to make strides in the right direction. With their commitment to excellence, community involvement and player development, they are poised to continue making a positive impact on the Indianapolis community for years to come.
“We don’t get paid from this,” Cantrell said. “We just want the next generation to be prepared. We want to leave this place better than we found it.”
Caiden may have said it best:
“I feel like my dad, my coaches, my mentors are helping me become a better player and person every day.”
Contact multi-media and senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news courtesy of the Indianapolis Recorder, visit our homepage.
