Football for Life

A glimpse into life on the reservations can be seen in the high teen suicide rate . In 2015, officials on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation declared a state of emergency due to a rash of teen suicides. 

Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Struggles With Suicides Among Its Young 

The odds are stacked against the youth of Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. On Pine Ridge, 97% of the population lives far below the U.S. federal poverty line. The high school dropout rate is 70%.  The unemployment rate is upwards of 90% due to the lack of industry, technology or commercial infastructure on the reservation.  The list of obstacles placed in front of the youth on Pine Ridge goes on and on. 

Taking the life lessons learned on the football field to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

The Football for Life group is comprised of former coaches and players who believe the game of football was instrumental to the success they have achieved in life. The founders and directors of Football For Life know from personal experience the vital impact of youth sports participation. Specifically, participation in football can provide  the experience of establishing a shared vision, working as a high performing team toward a common goal,  and the tools to successfully transition to adulthood. Football for Life provides a program that stresses the importance of goal setting, focus, executing a plan, teamwork, resilience, critical thinking, problem solving, and leadership.

We are excited to be making our second trip to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.  In collaboration with head coach Sam Bravo of Pine Ridge High School, we are tailoring a program to best benefit the Pine Ridge H.S Thorpes football team. The program will include a 4 day coaching clinic and field lessons with Coach Bravo's staff  and players. We will be having a community event this year that will include a Red/White scrimmage.

When presented with the idea by Football for Life founder, Joseph Pina, Coach Bravo stated "This has been exactly what I have been looking for to give us the competitive edge we need." 

Here is some more information on the project:


With your help last year,  our fundraising efforts were successful. We raised enough to provide meals during the camp, new video equipment, the latest in HUDL software, new sound equipment, new helmet logos, playbooks, hip protector(girdles), custom knee braces, etc. We also donated a pallet of used equipment that was donated by the local Southern California high school and colleges. 

Here is a link to a short video chronicling last years effort from day 1:

Football for Life 2017

The Football for Life members will be donating their time and all  available resourses to bring these costs down.  Any excess funds will be donated to the Pine Ridge Football team and/or other charitable organization on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.  Funds are needed asap so we can line up transportation and make reservations for lodging. 

If we can make a difference in the life of just one teen on Pine Ridge it will be worth it. 

Think back to your high school days and how important those were in establishing the foundation for your success today. Let's give Pine Ridge High School the opportunity  to live those days for themselves!

Knowing successful programs take time, we are establishing this program to provide a yearly trip. Another aspect of our initial trip will be to identify other avenues to contribute  going forward. One idea we will be looking into is expanding or contributing to library services for Pine Ridge. . 

First things first though, building the Thorpes into a football program to be reckoned with.