MEMPHIS, Tenn. — ABC24 is seeking solutions to combat violent crime in our city. A big focus is on youth crime.
In the most recent data from the Memphis-Shelby County Crime Commission, in 2023, the number of juvenile charges, with a crime, was up 15% compared to 2022.
A Memphis man found a new way to reach more pre-teens, but it’s not what you would expect.
Three days a week, from 6 to 8 p.m., 11-year-old Ericson Wheeler is playing football on defense, putting in work.
“I just love the competition,” Wheeler said. “It pushes me to be my best.”
Memphian Antoine Smith is at the whistle.
“I used to be one of them,” said Smith. “I used to be the kid wanting to play, wanting to do something.”
Now Smith is the head coach of the Mt. Moriah Roadrunners, a group of young athletes ages 5 to12.
It’s a youth football non-profit Smith created seven years ago.
“We've definitely grown,” Smith said. “We're averaging right now each year about 100 kids.”
Smith is dedicated to these young athletes.
“I think it's my responsibility," he said. "I'm from that era, where it takes a village to raise a child. It takes all of us to make a difference in these young guys' life.”
That’s something Smith gets to do with a playbook by night and wearing a badge by day.
Smith is also a Memphis Police officer. In fact, several coaches on this team are.
“They get to see me in street clothes, not just in a police uniform,” said Smith. “So, they can kind of become comfortable with me as a coach and as an officer as well.”
On and off the field, these mentors and coaches encourage players to strive for greatness and stay away from crime.
“We’re teaching these young men responsibility,” Smith said. “We teach these young men the key element to work ethic.”
For Smith, pre-teens like Wheeler aren’t just players. They are his mentees. Wheeler is proud to be a Roadrunner, and he’s proud of his coach.
“I think it’s amazing,” Wheeler said. “He started doing this because he's always around children who are going to jail.”
Wheeler knows coach Smith has his back on the field, and officer Smith has his back in life.
“If we ever have any problems, he's here to protect us,” Wheeler said.
On this field, with this team, football is more than just a game. It’s a unique way these officers and children can build relationships.
“I understand football is not the end all be all, but this is some way that we can connect,” Smith said. “That's common ground.”
This group is finding common ground through mentorship and memories, one play and one player at a time.
If this is something your child might be interested in, it’s not too late to join the Roadrunners. Click here, for the link to sign up.
Spring season practice is underway now, and the team will compete this fall.
The team was undefeated last season, going 11-0. They’re hoping to reclaim their title as 8U Champions.