Football: Early Christmas for Boys & Girls Clubs members

Coach Mark Hudspeth presents Jackie Club members Gevan Henton and Jordan Castille with footballs and athletic footwear for an early Christmas surprise. (Photo: Kris Wartelle)

Some very lucky members of the Lafayette Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana got an early Christmas present from University of Louisiana at Lafayette football coach Mark Hudspeth and several Ragin’ Cajun football players.

UL Football program gives back to Boys & Girls Clubs

UL Football program gives back to Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana. (Photo: Kris Wartelle)

The players spent time this year mentoring members of the Jackie clubs.

Deuce Wallace and Caden Cunningham (Photo: Kris Wartelle)

Coach Hudspeth invited more than two dozen boys and girls to the UL practice facility for an added surprise, where he presented the entire club with footballs, basketballs, soccer balls and nets.

Logan Richard and Brianna Johnson

The kids also received Nike athletic shoes to go along with the equipment. Hudspeth said the football team wanted to give the kids something to help them stay active and enjoy being outdoors.

Drake Trujillo and Corien McGee

According to executive director Chris Martin, the Boys and Girls Clubs’ mission is to help youth create aspirations for the future, providing opportunities for career exploration, educational enhancement, character and leadership building.

Boys & Girls Clubs members play at the UL Football practice facility. UL football players have been mentoring the youngsters this year. (Photo: Kris Wartelle)

The smiling faces said it all for these kids, many of whom enjoyed just being at the Cajun facility almost as much as the presents.