Clayton’s Road to Travel Football

It’s that time again this year for Clays travel ball. For those who don’t know me or my sons story here is a background. My name is Jessi, my son's name is Clayton. Since Clay was 5 years old he has loved to play football. He is currently 15 and his love for the sport has never changed. Clay has always inspired to pursue a career in football in college or even at a higher league. Last December he tried out for a team in Louisville that’s a 7v7 team that has national ranking boys that play on there. He made the team, traveled and played with them and was one of the starting players. This was an opportunity some only dream about, especially coming from a small town where we live.

This is Clay’s 2nd year playing for Bolt Boyz. The team pays for the uniforms, snacks, food, and tournaments. We are the only team in KY fully sponsored by The Hard Rock Cafe’. What they don't cover are the travel cost, hotel cost, and extra expenses.

Every week/weekend he has a practice in Louisville and with gas prices rising it is expensive just for that alone. We will be playing a total of 4-6 tournaments, ranging from Chicago, Gatlinburg, New Orleans and Evansville plus more. The expenses of travels, stays and eats will not be covered unfortunately.

I'm not one to ask for help or reach out to anyone for help. This is a huge opportunity for Clay, and I want more than anything to be able to make this happen for him again. I dont want money to be the issue to why he cannot play. I want to be able to help reach his goals and give him this opportunity. Being a single mom with one set income it is hard on me to do this alone.

As I mentioned this is an amazing opportunity for Clay and his excitement means everything to me. The tournaments he will be playing in has alot of scouts are at them and it could help him get his foot in the door and be recognized. Just playing last year we have had colleges and coaches reach out to him. More than anything he will be playing the game he loves, meeting new people, coaches, and memories he will have for a lifetime.

If you can help make this possible for him and give him this opportunity please do so. It could be $1 or $2 dollars, we will be grateful for anything we receive.

I have been praying that God will make a way for this happen for him and I know through prayer he will be able to. "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." (Matther7:7-8). Clays favorite Bible verse is I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. He has shown just that in Clay. Clay plays with all he has, he gives the game 100% on and off the field.

Clays first practice is being held this Sunday in Louisville. All practices are held twice a week in Louisville. It might not seem like alot of money being spent for practice travels, but with the gas prices rising and having a Tahoe its almost 80 if not more for each practice.

His first tournament in coming up in March with the rest to follow.

I wont know the schedule till his first practice but I’m sure we will be traveling alot more than we did last year, as it was our first time playing as a team. This year we are more prepared and know what to expect.

Thanks to all that have helped thus far and have always cheered him on! We appreciate it more than you know.

I know God will provide what is needed. Clay has had so many doors opened up just from last year of playing. I know this year will open up more. The coach thinks the world of Clay and even went up to U15 so Clay could play on the team this year. Which speaks volumes as him as a player.

I know our goal this year is higher but unfortunately with the cost of everything I’ve had to higher our goal. Not many kids Clays age has this opportunity, yet he does and I am beyond proud of him. He has worked so hard for this and I pray every night that I can make and provide this for him.

Clay and myself thank every single person that helped us out last year, you do not know how much on and impact it had on his life. Thank you for your time and support. It means the world to both Clay and myself.

Thank you,

Jessi and Clayton