Forest Park residents and coaches pitch 'Warriors United' youth sports program, seek city fields and support

Andre Williams, a Forest Park resident and coach, told the Forest Park City Council on March 17 that he is organizing Warriors United, a youth feeder program for Wynton Woods High School, and asked the city for help securing fields and other support. "We just wanna be in the community. I'm from here. This is my vision and this is what I want to do is bring back to where I'm from," Williams said during public comment.

Williams said the group's recent basketball season drew about 30 fifth- and sixth-grade players and that his fourth-grade team had 13 players; he added that nearly 100 children tried out at the start of the season. He said Warriors United plans to move into baseball for ages 8–12 and expects to add football, volleyball and soccer programming. "So if we could get y'all support, support the Warriors United, maybe if we can, use some of your fields out here for the kids to practice," Williams said.

Wynton Woods coaches and community volunteers spoke in support. David McClendon, who identified himself as Wynton Woods varsity head coach, said he returned to Forest Park to work with youth and expressed interest in partnering with the program. Calvin Johnson, a longtime area coach who also said he served as a police officer, pledged to help Williams complete paperwork and to support the program's use of city fields and summer camps.

Council members and staff asked for more information and for a written proposal. A council member requested that Williams put the program plan in writing and provide specifics about what the group wants from the city; Williams agreed to provide a written proposal. Council members and a staff member directed follow-up through the city's youth/sports coordinator, identified during comments as Jay Denny, so the program and the city's offerings will be aligned and avoid scheduling conflicts.

No formal action or vote was taken on the request during the March 17 meeting; speakers and council members treated the item as a public-comment request and preliminary outreach. Council members and city staff said they would review a written proposal and follow up with the organizers about field availability, league restrictions and any required permits or agreements.

The public comments also included several expressions of community support for Warriors United and for more summer programming for children; multiple speakers underscored the value of mentoring and after-school activities for youth safety and development.

Next steps: Williams said he would submit a written plan to the city so staff and council can review field use, scheduling and any required paperwork. City staff indicated they would coordinate follow-up through Jay Denny, the city sports/youth coordinator mentioned during the discussion.