Young Guns Team

[Ian]

When I was 15 years old Walter, AJ, Will and Matt Baker gave me something. Something that will last a lifetime. They gave me a spot on Strongside. The local team at the field. For the first time in my entire life I was accepted into a group. A team. This team turned in to a family and I have made friends that will last a life time. I also have two Filipino brothers I couldn't live without. Paintball and that team kept me out of a lot of trouble. I had to get good grades so that I could play the next tournament. I better not talk back or I might not be able to play tomorrow. I can't buy pot, because I need entry and paint. Sorry guys, I can't get wasted tonight. I have a tournament tomorrow and we're leaving at 4 am.

Now I want to give back. I want to give kids what those four guys gave me. I want to give kids goals, acceptance, a team and a family. I want to start a young guns team for kids 13-17 years old. I want to give them a reason to do good in school and stay out of trouble and also something to look forward to on the weekends.

This team will be open to any kid that wants to learn the game and has dedication. It won't matter if you can throw down 70 bucks a week on paint. It won't matter if you shoot a Spyder, a Talon or a DM8. Kids won't be penalized for not being able to afford to play. Those that show up, with or without money and work the hardest will play the tournaments. The best players will play, yes, but I want everyone on the team to have the chance to run in a flag. EVERY player will play. The team would be non discriminatory in any way shape or form.

I've never wanted anything more in my entire life than to bring this dream to life. But I can't do it alone. I'm asking for the support of the Paintball Hill community.

Let's give these kids what we've all been given. An escape. And a love that the rest of the world just doesn't understand.

Now there are some things I will need to make this work:

Mainly, kids.
Advice.
Friendly faces at the field.
People willing to help teach the kids things I forget and/or don't know.
Support from the people that love the game.


Matt B, I'll be coming up to the field this Sunday(hopefully) to talk to you about this. I just thought I'd post this up and give you some time to think about it before I threw it at you.
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In progress of forming a team for kids.
Gun: None.
RIP-LTM