First Tee Program Teaches More Than Just Golf
“I feel welcome and included.”
“I feel heard and listened to; my voice matters.”
“I’m learning a game that I can play with my friends and family.”
These are just some of the words of kids who have been impacted by the First Tee program in Prince William County.
For over two decades, First Tee Prince William County has been committed to helping kids build character strengths and important life skills through the game of golf and providing all kids with access to opportunities for personal growth in a fun and safe environment.
Prince William County first began providing First Tee curriculum in the summer of 2002. In its Certification Program alone, the program has reached over 4,000 unique youth within the Northern Virginia area. In addition to its certification programming, the First Tee School Program is currently implemented in 36 elementary schools serving over 25,000 youth in Prince William County on a yearly basis.
“First Tee creates opportunities for kids to gain important social skills such as working with others, showing sportsmanship, and integrity,” says Alan Smith, PGA, program director of First Tee Prince William County. “Through the game of golf, we help kids understand and maneuver through the challenges of growing up.”
The program is so successful that Smith says many of its participants return as coaches and mentors to share their successes with the next wave of participants.
“Giving back and helping others comes naturally to those who spend time within our program,” says Smith.
For the parents of First Tee participant Julian, the experience has been nothing but positive.
“As a parent, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible impact the First Tee program has had on my son,” says Deborah Velez-Butler, mom to Julian. “Since he was just four years old, he's been an active participant, and now at thirteen, the benefits are more evident than ever.”
Beyond the technical aspects of golf, she says First Tee has instilled in him invaluable life skills.
“The program's emphasis on character development, sportsmanship, and perseverance has shaped him into a well-rounded individual. He's learned to approach challenges with a positive mindset, handle setbacks with grace, and celebrate successes with humility,” says Velez-Butler.
“I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the First Tee family. It's more than just a golf program; it's a transformative experience that will benefit my son for years to come,” she adds.
“Golf is a game of a lifetime,” says Smith. “You can play it at any age and can stop and start as life allows you to. Maintaining family bonds or even mending broken ones happens regularly on the golf course. It’s quality time that is unmatched in any other format.”
Smith’s guidance and mentorship on and off the golf course doesn’t go unnoticed by parents.
“The coach (Mr. Alan Smith), is not just golf instructor; he is a mentor who genuinely cares about the kids' overall development. He creates a supportive and encouraging environment where everyone feels valued and empowered,” says Velez-Butler.
The First Tee program in Prince William County only continues to grow, offering scholarships, academies and leadership opportunities on an annual basis designed to help kids increase their skills for the next chapters in their lives.
“Golf opens the door to meet people from different walks of life that you may never meet on your own,” adds Smith. “Many business deals, job interviews and relationships are made on the golf course.”
For Smith personally, he notes that if not for the game of golf he may not have met his wife of over 30 years, become involved with First Tee, and even had the opportunity to meet more than one U.S. President.
Ready to sign your child up to become part of our First Tee Golf Club? Check out all available program dates and locations here. There are also still a handful of spots left in our First Tee Spring Break Camp. Click here to register today.
To learn more about First Tee Prince William County, click here.
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