Beyond a love for the game, our players have faced significant adversity. In recent years, we’ve endured heartbreaking tragedies, including the loss of Deshaun Swanson, who was taken from us in a drive-by shooting while attending a family funeral, and Ty-Juan Preer, who was left in a wheelchair due to another shooting. On January 11, 2023, we suffered another devastating loss when our beloved coach, Richard "Coach Nell" Hamilton, was tragically killed in a road rage incident. These are the harsh realities faced by the youth of Indianapolis, but the Indy Steelers Youth Organization provides them with the recreation, mentorship, and support they need to rise above these challenges.
Our programs are - football, cheer/dance, basketball, nature club, swimming. The football team plays against other Indianapolis youth organizations and travels throughout the Midwest for regional competitions. Despite the obstacles, our teams have proudly brought home second-place titles in national tournaments. But our program is about more than wins and losses, it’s about building character, resilience, and a brighter future.
Our commitment to the community goes beyond sports. Through our mobile food pantry, we help fight food insecurity, ensuring families have access to essential resources. We also give back through annual events like our Turkey Dinner Giveaway, Christmas Giveaway, and a Scholarship Program for Alumni, helping our young athletes continue their education.
Through our partnership with the MLK Community Center, we provide additional resources such as homework assistance, literacy programs, tutoring, and parental support. These opportunities, combined with the life lessons learned on the field, make the Indy Steelers a truly unique program—one that shapes not just athletes, but future leaders.
