Empowering the Future of Girls’ Flag Football! 🏈✨ In partnership with Ottawa University Women's Flag Football coaches, the YMCA of Greater Kansas City hosted a dynamic training event dedicated to advancing girls' flag football. Participants gained exclusive access to a Play NAIA women’s flag football game (Thanks to Ottawa University Braves Athletics), engaged in hands-on training to better support and uplift girls' athletes, and connected with fellow coaches to build a strong foundation for girls' flag football across Kansas and Missouri. Together, we’re growing the game and shaping the future of girls’ flag football in the KC metro area! #YMCAofKC #GirlsFlagFootball #YouthDevelopment #GrowTheGame #OttawaUniversity #LetsGo #BraveNation (fb)

🕰️ The Y Through Time: Origins & Early Days The YMCA’s story began in 1844 when George Williams, a London clerk, founded the Young Men’s Christian Association. His vision of a safe space for young men to grow spiritually and socially would later earn him a knighthood from Queen Victoria. By 1860, the movement had reached Kansas City, led by Rev. W. M. Leftwich of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He saw the city as vulnerable to demoralizing influences and believed the YMCA could bring positive change. Despite early struggles, the YMCA's mission of community and support persevered, laying the foundation for its lasting impact in #KCMetro and beyond. The image accompanying this post features Rev. W.M. Leftwich, the visionary who helped bring the YMCA to Kansas City. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the rich history of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City in The Y Through Time! #YMCAofKC #LetsGo #FocusForward (fb)