Montgomery, AL – The Moving Montgomery Forward Golf Initiative is proud to announce the launch of its 2026 programming, continuing its mission to introduce young people in Montgomery to the game of golf while developing life skills, academic enrichment, and career awareness.
For 2026, the initiative will again offer two cornerstone programs: the Moving Montgomery Forward Golf Initiative STEM Program and the MMFGI Junior Golf League, both designed to serve middle school–aged youth through structured learning, competition, and mentorship.
Moving Montgomery Forward Golf Initiative STEM Program
The STEM Program will take place on Wednesdays from March 4th through the end of April 29, 2026 and will be open to 20 middle school students. This program integrates golf with STEM-based learning, exposing students to concepts such as problem-solving, critical thinking, technology, and career pathways connected to the golf industry.
MMFGI Junior Golf League
The MMFGI Junior Golf League is open to youth ages 11 to 14 and will feature a six-tournament season, culminating in a League Championship held at Gateway Golf Course on May 2, 2026.
This developmental league is designed to introduce young players to the fundamentals of competitive golf, emphasizing skill-building, sportsmanship, and teamwork. With matches hosted at local courses like Gateway, Lagoon, and Cottonwood, the league offers two divisions—A-Team and B-Team—catering to players of various experience levels.
SEASON SCHEDULE
Date Day Location Time
Mar. 19 Thursday Cottonwood GC 4:00
Mar. 26 Thursday Lagoon Park GC 4:00
Mar. 30 Monday Gateway GC 4:00
Apr. 2 Thursday Cottonwood GC 4:00
Apr. 9 Thursday Gateway GC 4:00
Apr. 23 Thursday TBA 4:00
Saturday May 2 Gateway GC /City Championship 1:00
Virtual Interest Meeting
To kick off the season, a virtual interest meeting will be held on:
• Monday, February 2, 2026
• 7:00 p.m. (CT)
• Virtual link: https://meet.google.com/hum-qgws-puq
Parents and players are encouraged to mark their calendars and attend. Registration and meeting links will be provided.
Developmental Days at Gateway Park
In preparation for the Junior Golf League season, Coach Leo of the LEO Golf Academy will host five free developmental days for interested participants. These sessions will focus on fundamentals, skill development, and readiness for league play.
• Location: Gateway Park
• Start Date: February 1, 2026
• Dates:
FREE LEAGUE DEVELOPMENTAL DAYS SCHEDULE
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Monday, February 15 or 16, 2026
Sunday, March 1, 2025
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Time: 3:30-4:30
These developmental days are open at no cost to youth interested in joining the MMFGI Junior Golf League.
Registration Information
Links to register for all Moving Montgomery Forward Golf Initiative programs are below. Families are encouraged to sign up early, as space is limited.
www.leogolfacademy.com/join-mmfgi-2026
The Moving Montgomery Forward Golf Initiative continues to serve as a pathway for youth development in Montgomery by using golf as a vehicle for education, mentorship, and opportunity—on and off the course.
For more information and updates, please follow the Moving Montgomery Forward Golf Initiative and LEO Golf Academy on social media or visit www.leogolfacademy.com/join-mmfgi-2026.
Building a Brighter Future Through Golf
“Golf teaches perseverance, discipline, and collaboration—all qualities that prepare young people for success beyond the sport,” said Quincy Leonard, Executive Director of the LEO Foundation. “This initiative is about more than just
learning to play golf; it’s about nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.” “We are excited to offer this golf league to the middle schools in Montgomery for the 2026 spring season. This initiative provides a way for our golf programs to continue to grow and become re-established, ensuring our students have opportunities to learn and excel in this incredible sport,” said Greg Ruffin, MPS District Athletic Director.
About the Moving Montgomery Forward Golf Initiative
The Moving Montgomery Forward Golf Initiative, part of the LEO Foundation, empowers underserved youth in Montgomery through innovative programs that pair STEM education with golf. From immersive industry experiences to competitive leagues, the initiative inspires students to develop their potential and fosters a lifelong appreciation for the game.
How to Get Involved
Parents, educators, and community members interested in enrolling students or supporting the program can contact Quincy Leonard at quincy@theleofoundation.org. Stay tuned for updates on the interest meeting location and registration details by visiting leogolfacademy.com.
Join us in shaping the future of golf and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow.
###
About LEO Golf Academy: Quincy L. Leonard, LEO Golf Academy Founder; Valiant Cross Academy Golf Coach; Central Alabama Sports Commission Board Member; U.S. Kids Golf Montgomery Tour Director; GPS (Golf Program in Schools) Hosting Golf Course Academy Director; Jim Thorpe Invitational Junior Golf Tournament Director) has more than 23 years of golfing experience and has been coaching youth golf for the past 15 years. Quincy, for the second time, has received honorable mention recognition from U.S. Kids Golf, landing him on their annual Top 50 Kids Teacher Award. The Award recognizes the world’s most outstanding youth golf instructors and Coach Leonard is part of this select group who have earned honorable mention accolades among more than 500 applicants. Quincy is also a 2023 African American Golfers Hall of Fame Inductee. The LEO GOLF Academy mission is to challenge junior golfers to LEO (Learning at Every Opportunity) by promoting character development, life skills, and values through the game of golf and the Holy Spirit. We aim to hook our kids on golf as a life-long sport, teach them the rules of the game, train in the area of fitness, develop mental toughness and on course training with a tactical and strategic approach.
About The LEO Foundation: Established in 2024, is dedicated to empowering underserved youth by combining STEM education with the game of golf. The foundation supports programs like the LEO Golf Academy, the Moving Montgomery Forward Golf Initiative, and the Legacy Golf Championship while also playing a pivotal role in revitalizing public golf courses in Montgomery, Alabama. Through partnerships with organizations such as Golf. My Future. My Game., and collaboration with local schools, the foundation provides young people with opportunities to develop life skills, gain industry knowledge, and build brighter futures.
About Golf. My Future. My Game.: About Golf. My Future. My Game.: Founded in 2008, Golf. My Future. My Game. creates strategic alliances and initiatives for education and career development in the sport and business of golf. A not for profit, headquartered in Washington, D.C., Golf. My Future. My Game. has a network of key industry and community partners that are changing the market with five distinct programs to engage youth from traditionally underrepresented communities and college students. Our investment in communities and working relationships with the United States Golf Association (USGA), American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Western Golf Association (WGA), PGA of America, the LPGA and the PGA Tour are opening doors and creating opportunities for a new generation of golf enthusiasts and industry professionals.
