Hempstead Raiders Youth Football Program is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded by Keith Newton-Smith, a born and raised product of Hempstead. The people who will be part of this organization will take pride in serving as positive role models while guiding our youth as measured by our decisions, actions, and overall dedication to the sport and our community. Hempstead Raiders Youth Football Program was created with the blessings from parents who were looking for positive change in the community.
Hempstead Raiders Youth Organization not only would be providing opportunities for kids to play football, but there would be other opportunities in other sports, such as baseball and basketball. This opportunity for our youth especially in the urban communities gives them a better chance to exceed in academics as their athletic abilities would provide educational opportunities for future scholarships. Hempstead Raiders Youth Football Program will welcome all KIDS from all different ETHNIC groups. Discrimination would not be tolerated in this program. Our goal as coaches is to provide what I like to call the four F's: A Fun, Friendly, Fair, and Family environment that also promotes competition as well. We will work tirelessly to build self-esteem, physical aptitude, and a moral foundation in the youth of the community among the ideals of physical conditioning, sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage, and respect for others.
Hempstead Raiders Youth Football Program coaches will provide positive coaching and mentoring to all players by offering a safe, competitive, and unbiased organization for athletic competition.
The Hempstead Raiders Youth Football Program will be a partner to community middle schools and high schools preparing our young athletes for progressive levels of competition. We will strive to foster teamwork, compassion, and charity within our communities for the betterment of our members, future members, and the collective program. We will pride a safe environment filled with trained and experienced leaders, which are some of the tools we use to influence our youth in a positive way.
Parents, all Student-Athletes are required to maintain an academic standard in order to participate in this program during the season, progress reports are collected and help is offered if needed. The Hempstead Raiders Organization is committed to ensure that all athletes are students first and athletes second. Without the education, sports mean nothing. This commitment to academics is what separates Hempstead Raiders from other youth organizations.