our history
Eastside Cowboy Athletics is a Youth Organization founded in 1978 that serves the Metro-Detroit area. Eastside Cowboys Athletic Association is a 501(c) (3) non-profit contact football and cheer league.
The mission of the Eastside Cowboys Athletic Association is to provide sports and mentoring programs for youth where they can learn sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, and socialization skills. We plan to lead them toward positive goals in life, giving them an alternative to gang violence, drugs, and other non-productive activities. To instill in them pride, self-esteem, confidence, and the realization that through hard work, perseverance, and determination they can reach any goals set before them. Eastside Cowboys Athletic Association is a participant in the Michigan Youth Football League (MYFL) and Detroit PAL. DPAL runs several athletic, academic, leadership, and other character-building programs year-round. Eastside Cowboys has five levels of competitive football teams and cheerleading teams. Our season runs from April through December for athletes ages 5 – 14.
Our Staff
Eastside Cowboys Athletics staff is comprised of volunteers who use sports as an opportunity to create character-building opportunities on and off the field. Coaches complete the Detroit PAL IMPACT training program which is designed to give volunteer coaches the tools they need to turn youth sports into a great youth development experience. Every volunteer has successfully passed a background screening performed by American Youth Football and Cheer and each coach is a member of the American Youth Football and Cheer (AYF/AYC) league and is required to complete a basic skill and knowledge and proficiency assessment.
The Staff of Eastside Cowboy Athletics understands that their responsibilities as youth volunteers are of great importance and that their actions have the potential to significantly influence the young athletes with whom we work with. The staff understands that youth participate for numerous reasons and the number one reason is to have fun. ESC understands that we are obligated to honor AYF rules, opponents, officials, and teammates. We take pride in teaching our youth to honor the same. ESC promotes being clean and safe by respecting the facilities we use. ESC creates an appropriate environment that focuses on safety, fun, and skill development. We will continue to promote building character to have a positive lasting impact on our children. We provide opportunities for every child to have fun, learn team-building skills, and fair play. Eastside Cowboy Athletics displays appropriate behavior towards children and in the presence of children. Our staff treats each player, coach, official, parent, and administrator with respect and dignity.