HOWARD BANKHEAD
Blog: July 2012
Youth Life and Golf Skills Development Program in North Alabama
We’re Committed to Investing In Our Children
And The Future Of Our Country
The group of action-oriented, bold and capable individuals (the Tennessee Valley Youth Life Development committee) has committed themselves to improve the reading, math and life skills of Alabama youth through youth golf development. We are off to a good start!
Programming started on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 with a tour of several golf holes at the Point Mallard Golf Course in Decatur, Alabama. Over 31 youth arrived at the course in a van and small bus. Bruce Jones, TVYGD Decatur coordinator and Decatur’s Director of Youth Services accompanied the group, along with his staff.
The tour and first day consisted of:
- The first visit to a golf course for most of the students
- Explaining the layout of a golf hole (tee box, fairway, rough, and the green and other sections with an emphasis on the math in golf).
- Personal introductions (students and adults)
The following data is an update of the Decatur, Florence and Huntsville Youth Life Development Programs.
Decatur learning and development facilities include: Point Mallard Golf Course Center, Carrie Matthews Center, and Strike-Zone Point Mallard Park Driving Range.
Programming is offered every Tuesday and Thursday in the afternoon. We average 24 students; with an average age of 11years old; 90% are Title One students; 40% are above or at reading and math levels for their age; 99 percent have never experienced any type of golf.
Florence learning and development facilities include: Blackberry Trail Golf Course, Handy Recreation Center, Handy-Lewis Field and McFarland Park Driving Range.
Programming is offered every Tuesday and Thursday morning. We average 11 students; with an average age of 9 years old; 100% are Title One students; 60% are above or at reading and math levels for their age; none has ever experienced any type of golf.
Huntsville has two learning and developmental facilities:
1) At the Richard Showers Center programming is offered every Wednesday morning. We average 28 students; with an average age of 10 years old; 95% are Title One students; 42% are above or at reading and math levels for their age; none has ever experienced any type of golf.
2) At the Calvary Hill Center programming is offered every Friday morning. We average 31 students; with an average age of 9 years old; 95% are Title One students; 35% are above or at reading and math levels for their age; none has ever experienced any type of golf.
After the students receive a series of instructions at the community centers, we may go to one of the following golfing locations including: Madison Golf Center; Huntsville Becky Peirce Municipal Golf Course and/or Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Hampton Cove.
I am also privileged to work with several youth at New Beginning Christian Church, my church home.
Building the infrastructure
This is a good start for Huntsville’s Tennessee Valley Youth Golf Development program and the population we aim to serve. But as we ride to each location and through the neighborhoods and communities, I know the numbers should be much higher. With the low academic levels in our schools, we are seeking children who need to improve their reading and math skills.
Building the infrastructure for youth golf developments programs in undeserved communities is the most challenging thing we face! We need to educate the adults and caregiver on the value of golf; provide mentors to families with children who wish to learn and develop their life and golf skills; forge partnerships with area golfing facilities and as usual secure funding. Building this infrastructure will help to address family structure and historical norms that is hindering opportunity for countless youth.
I hope you will read our upcoming August Blog: I will share the final report on the “2012 Summer Reading, Math and Life Skills thru Golf program.”
Mission:
To positively improve the lives of youth ages 6-18 by providing access to training facilities and educational programs that encourage fitness, etiquette and learning through golf skills.
In return, our youth will acquire social skills and work ethic needed to become productive citizens!
60(a) + 40(g) =100(pi) formula is used to insure that the participant will experience quality academics and athletics in their development. 60 % (academics) + 40 % (golf) = 100 (positive impact)
Give Youth A Gift For Life: Youth Golf Development!
Howard Bankhead
Executive Director
Tennessee Valley Youth Golf Development
604 Jordan Lane
Huntsville, AL 35816 USA
256-604-8172
