“The Skyhawks teaches young people how to play football; but it is more than just a sports team. It’s a bolstering community that centers on the whole young person, not just the young person as an athlete. To be a member of the Skyhawks means being part of a family – they check in on players’ emotional well-being, ensure they are doing what needs to be done off and on the field (at school and Home, in the community, with their peers), promote fairness and collaboration through healthy competition, provide for players during times of need, partner with team members to help them find schools, teams, support, etc. The Skyhawks view parents and guardians as integral team members. Therefore, there is an expected parental commitment to volunteerism, participation, supportive behavior during games, communal engagement and compassion, and inclusion. When a young person joins the Skyhawks, they recognize immediately that they are part of a tight group that, yes, requires coming to practice, building skills, and contribution to the team, but also charges players with responsibility for themselves and others, the desire to challenge themselves and grow, the desire to strive, and be confident and successful in all that they do. It doesn’t end when players move on. Coaches remain in touch with them over time and check in with parents and guardians when lease expected (expect a Mother’s Day wish every year).
The Skyhawks recognizes the value of sports in developing a whole person. They do this works so well. It’s an honor to have been part of the Skyhawks.”
Michelle and Peter06/7/2023
“It took some time to put my 4-year experience with the Brooklyn Skyhawks together. This organization is nothing but amazing because everyone becomes family. My father Alan Cooke begged me for years to let my oldest, Kevin Clerge, play football. When I finally said yes it was the best decision ever. The coaches make sure that not only do these boys learn football, they make sure they learn and understand discipline, dedication, sportsmanship, and most importantly respect for each other and other teams. While the focus can be all about football, they made sure that they performed off the field at home and at school. Mentioning them being family, many Hawks experienced some traumatic events, loosing a teammate/brother to cancer, a parent and a grandparent. I’ve personally experienced the loss of my father who coached alongside Coach Brandon Thompson . Without missing a beat, every coach reached out and the Skyhawks made their presence at his funeral. It’s been 6 years and there are some places that I find difficult to go back to and the field is one. I want to remember all the great times, the laughs, the homecomings, the wins and most importantly all of my Skyhawk family. I truly love you and miss you all. Although Kevin’s football career ended prematurely after a successful ankle surgery, we are looking forward to Tristen’s ongoing football career.”
Alan Cooke’s Family06/3/2023
“I started for the Brooklyn Skyhawks back in the year 2004, as a Jr. Pee Wee for Head Coach Dwaine Moore Sr Ed James. I wore jersey #89 started as a tight end and cornerback. The next year 2005, I then started in the Quarterback position journey. I became the Most Valuable Player, All-Star and Curtis Martin from the New York Jets handed me my trophies at the Awards Dinner. After that, I played for Coach Garvin where I trained as a Quarterback with Assistant Coach Nashaun. I wore #7 for that year. And I also could remember how the team parents would come together to provide hot/cold meals for teams after our games. They would feed away team players, if we played at Home, first to show class and gratitude and then we would eat last. Those simple gestures taught me a lot about hospitality and giving back to the Community and this is partially why I decided to become a Coach today, due to how I watched the people I was surrounded by treat others. I also remember Coach Harris cheering me on as I ran my laps. When I became a Bantam I played for Coach Merv while Assistant Coach Key trained me as Quarterback in 2009. We ended up making it to the Championship played at Wagner Collage, where we were defeated by Kings Bay with a score of 22 – 6 and I ended up giving us the only touchdown of that game with a 3-yard quaterback sneak up the middle of the defense.
Duwan H05/23/2023
“As parents and past athletes we observed that our 5-year old son Malik was a little too laid back and unmotivated as far as extracurricular activities. We know the benefits of sports as it has helped us excel in other areas of our lives. We did some asking around and the reputation of the Skyhawks spoke for itself. The organization is indeed a family! Past players return to become coaches, mentors and support staff, parents become lifelong friends way after their children have aged out of the program. The coaches are patient but firm with the young men and provide and reinforce community values. Coming from the Caribbean, that is valuable. Malik is now 17 and after 9 years at the Skyhawks, he is excelling in High School Football, grown into a leader and carries the values of team, excellence and personal responsibility with him. Everyone says that their organization is a family, but the Skyhawks family truly is! It’s multi generational and has the ability to give that it takes a village culture. The Skyhawks train young mem to become passionate leaders.”
