Wakeman Boys & Girls Club of Bridgeport is starting a first-of-its-kind football program.

They will be practicing the sport – but also be provided meals and tutoring help after school.

Ty Carter, who played a crucial role in getting the program going, will be one of the coaches for the Wakeman Cowboys. Carter grew up in Bridgeport and said his commitment to the sport of football saved his life.

"We want to save these kids,” he told News 12. “Bridgeport isn't an easy place to live in and more people that we can get on the football field, that's one less kid doing x, y, z."

Currently, the players are from grades 4-7.

Ruben Goodwin, a volunteer for the football program, says $9,600 has been raised over the past three months, which will go to providing gear to the players.

“There's just not enough opportunity for kids here in Bridgeport, and I think Wakeman coordinating this football program is kind of proving our point of what they want to do for kids in their neighborhood,” says Goodwin.

The football program begins Aug. 16. Workouts start Aug. 1. The season goes until November. The program cost $150 per child, but it’s free for those using food stamps.

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