The Chicago Sun-Times reports Snoop Dogg will begin setting up operations of his youth football league in Chicago with a free clinic for an estimated 200 participants from Chicago Housing Authority families.
“This allows them to see the artist giving back to the community and also introduces them to sports,” said Crystal Brown Black, executive director of Windows of Opportunity, CHA’s nonprofit affiliate. “Their ability to go onto a field and learn techniques in football is kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The kickoff event will also feature a Windows of Opportunity Inc. Back to School event where 600 children will receive free book bags and school supplies.
Chicago will be the first city outside the state of California to get any teams in the league’s five-year history. Snoop initially invested $1 million to launch his own youth conference, which charges about $200 less per player than the average Pop Warner teams. Siblings are offered discounts, and allowed parents with criminal records are also allowed to volunteer. Additionally, Snoop invests an additional $50,000 each year to sustain the program, with some of the participants moving on to NCAA Division I programs.