"Growing up in the 90s, if you couldn't afford it, you couldn't play, there wasn't that many options," said Luc Edmond.
For Edmond it's those memories that motivated him to coach.
The league he joined seemed to fit his desire to affect a positive change in his community.
"Giving these kids an opportunity to be better, get better and do something other than getting in trouble, messing up in school, messing up on the streets," said Edmond.
The Southshore Sharks Athletic Club is a non-profit football league.
Half of the more than 160 children running routes come from homes where money is tight.
The league provides scholarships that pay for registration fees, equipment and more.
"We do all types of grassroots things, car washes and we do fundraisers, we do things like that but sometimes you just come up a little short," said Tony Watkins.
League president Tony Watkins says the club has doubled in size over the last two years. With more kids, comes more expenses.
"We have to pay for their insurance, we have to pay the league dues, we have uniforms and helmets," said Watkins.
"There was a great need underprivileged children who wanted to participate but just simply could not afford to," said league business manager Paula Knight.
They now hope the community will help fill the gap, by donating to keep those kids on the field and out of trouble.
"We do it because at the end of the day, we're empowering a life," said Watkins.
If you would like to donate, contact Paula Knight at 813.300.4501.
