Former NFL Football Player and Erie native, Cliff Crosby to Put on Clinic for Erie Youth

🏈 Empowering Erie’s Youth: A Day of Football, Fun, and Community at the Boys & Girls Club

This July, the Boys & Girls Club of Erie is bringing something big to town — and your kids won’t want to miss it. In an inspiring blend of athletics, mentorship, and community connection, local youth will get the rare opportunity to meet Cliff Crosby, former NFL player and Super Bowl Champion, while participating in a day packed with high-energy football drills, self-defense sessions, and team-building activities led by a powerful lineup of community leaders.

Who’s It For?

Youth ages 8–15 in Erie and surrounding areas are invited to register for this FREE event. Whether your child is an aspiring athlete, loves hands-on activities, or could benefit from meeting strong role models — this is for them.

What to Expect:

This isn’t just a sports camp — it’s a community experience. Participants will rotate through engaging breakout sessions and activities led by organizations and leaders including:

  • U.S. Marines & Army

  • Erie Police / PALS

  • ECDA / Regional Recovery Hub

  • Brian Arrington of TKO Martial Arts & Self Defense

  • And of course — the Boys & Girls Club team

Kids will get active, learn valuable skills, and build confidence — all while forming connections with mentors who care deeply about their futures.

Before the Big Day:

Families are invited to a special kickoff evening on Thursday, July 17, from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM at the Boys & Girls Club. This is when:

✅ Kids will receive their event T-shirt

✅ Parents can connect with local recovery and resource organizations

✅ Everyone will get the chance to meet Cliff Crosby in person

✅ And yes — pizza is on the house!

Why This Matters:

Events like this are more than just fun. They’re about building trust, planting seeds of leadership, and showing our kids what’s possible — no matter where they come from.

By bringing together athletes, law enforcement, military mentors, recovery advocates, and youth organizations, this event is a shining example of what it means to invest in the next generation.

Register Today:

Spots are limited and filling fast!

👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cc-football-clinic-tickets-1388935586729

Let’s give our youth a summer experience they’ll remember — and the tools to chase greatness.

W.I.S.E Brings Trades Exploration to Boys & Girls Club Members This Summer

This summer, an exciting new opportunity is taking shape for local youth at the Boys & Girls Club of Erie. Through the Women In Spaeder Excellence (W.I.S.E.) initiative, members will get a unique, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work in the trades — and it’s all designed to inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.

What’s in Store?

Participants will get the chance to:

  • Explore real-world trades careers through hands-on demonstrations

  • Meet and interact with Master Tradesmen during Q&A sessions

  • Tour the William T. Spaeder Company, one of Erie’s most respected mechanical contracting firms

Whether students are already curious about construction, plumbing, welding, or engineering — or they’re just starting to explore career paths — this experience promises to open doors and spark ideas.

Why It Matters

W.I.S.E. is committed to promoting inclusivity and opportunity in the trades, especially among young people who might not otherwise be exposed to these career options. This initiative is about building confidence, showing what’s possible, and fostering mentorship from seasoned professionals.

Dates and Details

📅 Dates are still being finalized, but interested families and members are encouraged to reach out early for more information and to reserve a spot.

📞 Contact:
John Popoff
Operations Director, Boys & Girls Club of Erie
📧 opsdirector@eriebgc.com
📱 814-449-3040

Stay tuned for more updates — we can’t wait to help the next generation dive into the trades!

Boys & Girls Club Welcomes Back NFL Hall of Famer & Club Alumni, Fred Biletnikoff

This past Thursday and Friday, the Boys & Girls Club of Erie was honored to host one of our most distinguished alumni — NFL Hall of Famer and Super Bowl Champion Fred Biletnikoff.

Fred’s visit was more than just a trip down memory lane. It was a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact the Boys & Girls Club can have, and a source of inspiration for the next generation of leaders and athletes in our community.

A Champion Giving Back

Fred spent time connecting with current Boys & Girls Club members, sharing stories of his journey from Erie to the national stage. His presence was met with excitement, admiration, and curiosity as members had the unique opportunity to meet someone who once walked the same halls — and went on to achieve greatness.

He also visited Erie High School, where he delivered an unforgettable talk to the football team. Drawing from his legendary career, Fred spoke about the discipline, determination, and heart it takes to succeed both on and off the field. His words were encouraging, relatable, and resonated deeply with the student-athletes.

A Lasting Impact

Fred Biletnikoff’s continued support of the Boys & Girls Club and the greater Erie community means the world to us. His visit not only celebrated the legacy of one of our own, but also fueled the dreams of young people who are forging their own paths today.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fred for taking the time to visit, share his story, and invest in the future of our youth. His legacy continues to inspire and uplift the very community that helped shape him.