Fayetteville Young Life is thrilled to bring you a fresh take on America’s newest and favorite sport: pickleball! Join them on May 31 at 10 a.m., at Rowan Park on 725 W Rowan St. Registration begins at 9 a.m.
This isn’t just any ordinary tournament; Fayetteville Young Life is turning up the excitement with music, delicious food, giveaways, and incredible prizes for the winners! Their mission is to raise funds that support Young Life in the Fayetteville and Fort Bragg area while creating a fun-filled day for everyone in the community.
This tournament is designed for all ages and skill levels, from those looking for a friendly game to those who aim to dominate the competition. The goal of the day is to have fun!
Since its inception in 1947, Young Life has been a beacon of hope and support for youths navigating the complexities of today’s world. The organization has trained compassionate leaders dedicated to mentoring young people, walking alongside them to navigate through life’s challenges. Young Life creates welcoming spaces where high school and college students can come as they are.
At the heart of Young Life is a commitment to sharing the teachings of Jesus, instilling hope in these teens about who they can become. Through meaningful relationships and genuine mentorship, they help young individuals understand that life is lived abundantly through a relationship with God. It isn’t merely about establishing programs; it’s about fostering deep connections and building a robust network of support throughout Fayetteville.
Preston Griffin, Founder and Area Director of Fayetteville Young Life, is a testament to the power of faith and community, rooted deeply in his childhood experiences. Fayetteville Young Life began with a simple prayer, one that echoed the desires of a fourth grader who had no idea how significant that moment would become. Growing up as an Army brat with a chaplain father, Preston was accustomed to change and relocation. Yet, as he left Fayetteville for Leavenworth, Kansas, he felt an inexplicable pull toward the city he was leaving behind.
Fast forward seven years and multiple moves later, Preston found himself back in Fayetteville and ready to graduate high school. God had instilled a longing for this city within him long before he could articulate it.
Upon returning, however, Preston faced a bittersweet reality: while he was thrilled to reconnect with old friends, he mourned the vibrant Young Life community he'd left behind in West Point, New York. Instead of succumbing to disappointment, he channeled his energy into creating something new at his high school—a “wannabe Young Life” culture where faith flourished among peers during spirit week festivities.
His leadership blossomed as student body president; through this role and newfound friendships steeped in faith, incredible transformations began to unfold within their high school community. This foundation laid the groundwork for what would come next—attending Messiah University, where Preston received formal training as a Young Life leader.
After marrying Bailey—the love of his life—they dove headfirst into ministry together in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Their work, intertwined with the U.S. Army War College, allowed them to connect military families with local resources and support systems while fostering relationships that would eventually lead many back to Fayetteville.
The leaders who came alongside Preston offered invaluable truth and mentorship that shaped his future aspirations. Inspired by this experience, he pursued a degree in Marketing and Business Strategy, eager to give back to the community that had given him so much.
After establishing a successful program in Carlisle, Preston felt a calling to return home to Fayetteville, as his heart was set on creating an environment where every high school student could experience the same support he did. Since then, it has been nothing short of amazing to see the community rally around Young Life’s mission. His vision is clear: reach every kid in the city.
Young Life is devoted to reaching out to every corner of our city because every child deserves hope and guidance amidst life's challenges. By investing in the lives of our youth today, Young Life is not only shaping their futures but also enriching our community as a whole.
It isn’t just about establishing programs; it’s about fostering relationships and building a network of support throughout Fayetteville.
“As the Founder and Area Director of Fayetteville Young Life, my journey has been deeply personal and profoundly transformative. Having spent eight years on staff with Young Life, including the past five leading this initiative, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of mentorship and community engagement,” Preston shared.
Join in for an incredible day of pickleball where participation helps Fayetteville Young Life reach more teenagers in our area with love and hope. Team entry costs $70 per team ($35 per person), and sponsorship opportunities range from $250 to $2,500.
Let’s rally for a cause and have an unforgettable day doing it. Your participation helps connect teens with caring mentors and life-changing experiences. To register or get more information, visit their website at www.younglife.org and grab a paddle and a teammate.
Fayetteville Young Life would like to thank their incredible sponsors for their support - Chick-Fil-A (Skibo Rd Location), Dream Finders Homes, Hubbard Supply, Immanuel Baptist Church, A-Bomb Energy, Dogwood Bank, Hill Top Family Dentistry. Sponsorship is still available. Contact Preston Griffin at 719-761-4866 or email: pgriffinyl@gmail.com.