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The Urban Youth League was founded by NFL All-Pro Running Back Ricky Watters. As an adoptee himself, Ricky is just as passionate when it comes to mentoring and fostering at-risk youth as he is about playing football. Ricky has always believed that by sharing his personal story and many challenges he faced as a youth and young adult, he will encourage children and teens to never give up until they reach their goals.
The mission of the UYL is to assist at-risk youth and underprivileged youth in becoming leaders in their communities. UYL strives to build self-confidence and self-worth in youth through one-on-one mentoring, life skills training, exposure to the arts and music, sports, and different cultures with the ultimate goal of building young leaders for tomorrow.
In creating the UYL, Ricky pondered over how to most effectively use his talents to meet the needs of these children. During speaking tours in the public school system, he would always begin by asking the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" The answer was always the same - rap stars or professional athletes - two careers that less than 1% of the population will ever acheive. He knew from that moment on that his lifelong passion for music along with the wide respect he has gained in the NFL would be the catalyst behind his charitable foundation. Ricky has never undervalued the importance of giving back. He is honored to serve as a role model in the community and has dedicated himself to improving the lives of children in the best way he knows how.
After retiring from the NFL in 2002, Ricky published his autobiography “Ricky Watters: A Warrior’s Journey.” This book is an inspirational tool to help motivate youth, help build their self confidence and help them achieve their goals in life. He hopes that after reading about his struggles in life, kids will see that anything is possible with hard work, dedication and a belief in one’s self. This book can be purchased online in individual quantities or in bulk. Discounts will be given for bulk purchases for educational and social service programs. Proceeds from the purchase of this book go directly back into the Urban Youth League.
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ADOPT A CHILD FOR THE HOLIDAYS The purpose of this holiday gathering is to show teens in the foster care system that they are not forgotten. We are providing a bridge for economically stable families in the community who would like to reach out to foster teens to grant a wish off their holiday wish lists. Our 2009 Event collected over 100 gifts for teens placed by Family Services of Metro Orlando totalling over $10,000 in value. The generosity of the Orlando community was unparalleled and 100 foster teens were the direct beneficiaries of such gifts as new bicyles, ipods, digital cameras, gift cards, etc. |
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RICKY WATTERS CELEBRITY GOLF GALA is our annual fundraising event held at Isleworth Country Club in Orlando Florida featuring celebrities from the sports and entertainment world to benefit a non-profit organization in the community which shares the same values, mission and goals of the Urban Youth League. The celebrity golf tournament is preceded by a formal Gala the evening before featuring dinner and drinks, one of a kind auction items, live entertainment, and an original work by world class Painter of Legends Armando Delgado. www.painteroflegends.com |
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URBAN MUSIC LEAGUE
Express Yourself Thru Music…Equip Yourself 4 Life
Features a collaboration of local artists within their communities who share common goals of promoting positive music for men, women and children. Purpose of this project is to show that rap does not have to disrespect women, contain profanity, degrade others and encourage violence to be popular. Young artists share their real life experiences, hardships and love for music through their rhymes with hopes of exposing their creative talents to the entertainment industry. It is an avenue for young artists to pursue their dreams and simultaneously work toward the goals of the Urban Youth League and Urban Music League. Executive produced and mentored by Ricky Watters.
Urban Music League Vol. 1 Release Date TBD |
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