Before Friday night lights, college plans, and varsity stats, Justin Futch built his foundation with Danville Parks and Recreation’s athletic program. In fall of 2017, Justin began his career in the city’s youth football league, not realizing how much he would gain from the experience. David Futch, Justin’s father and first coach, inspired him to chase his dreams, supporting him every step of the way.

在发展他的技能和纪律的同时，贾斯汀也获得了友谊，社区和对体育运动的热情。 他的第一次触地得分暗示了他的与众不同。

“When he got to tackle, that’s when [Justin] really sprouted out,” Coach Futch said. “One time, he ran and dragged another kid all the way into the end zone. He actually won the game with that touchdown.”

在参加了早期的国旗橄榄球和青少年铲球联赛之后，贾斯汀在乔治华盛顿高中成长为一名多项目运动员。 他担任四分卫和外接手，同时也参加棒球和篮球。 贾斯汀今年5月毕业，计划秋季进入诺福克州立大学学习商业管理专业。

Coach Futch volunteered to coach with Danville Parks and Recreation because he wanted to “give all the kids the best foundation possible.”

“If I could help prepare them for the next level, middle school, high school,” Coach Futch said. “I was going to do that.”

让你的父亲做你的教练确实有它自己的挑战。

“It was hard sometimes,” 贾斯汀说。 “But it was good. I knew I had to play hard.”

His father agreed: “You want to give every kid equal opportunity. If he didn’t show that he could play the role as quarterback, he wouldn’t have had that role, but [Justin] bought in from the beginning.”

Coach Futch’s coaching days did not end when Justin graduated. 他和8岁的儿子再次回到场边，他的儿子在丹支持人民币的博彩平台公园和娱乐中心踢足球和打篮球。

“It’s a must,” Coach Futch said about getting children involved in youth programs. “The bond these kids build, the discipline they learn goes beyond the field.”

“It helped with friendships, building skills, and discipline,” Justin added. “There’s something about learning how to work with a team when you’re young. It sticks with you.”

他仍然记得他在大学三年级的日子，就像昨天一样。 “I only threw one interception the whole season,” 贾斯汀说。 “And it was the last game.”

While his highlight reel is impressive, what stands out most is the advice he offers to younger athletes following in his footsteps: “Try different sports. 玩得开心。 Keep your grades up.”

富奇教练并不是唯一一个值得庆祝的名字。 The Futch family is quick to praise other coaches who shaped Justin Futch’s journey: Ronald Miller (Coach Bo,) Eldridge Cabell (Coach E), Head Coach Nick Anderson, Stevens Curtis, Dennis Reaves, Lin Stadler, Jay Perdue, Cody Perdue, J. Chambers, A. Morris, H. Carnes, Antonio Townes, Torrance Nunnally, as well as Team Mom Tomika Futch and of course, Coach Futch himself.

“They all played a big part,” 贾斯汀说。

当他前往诺福克州立大学时，他带着这些课程和人际关系。

“Some of the kids I played with [at Parks and Recreation] are still my friends.” 贾斯汀说。 “Some of them are even going to the same college. That bond, it lasts.”

From touchdown celebrations to college aspirations, Justin Futch’s story is one of growth, passion, and community, rooted in the programs and friendships of Danville Parks and Recreation.