March 8, 2023 • 45 mins
Warriors, fall in...It’s time for formation.
Today, I’m joined with a Marine Corp Veteran who I actually met while attending the Military Influencer Conference in Las Vegas, last year. At that time, I got an opportunity to hear all about his non-profit organization, more importantly I actually felt and listened to the passion behind his overall project to change lives.
Today’s guest is on the show today because he believes Instilling Confidence and Hope with our at-Risk Youth through Physical Sports Activity, Mentorship & Community Service is a majority priority in today’s society and I certainly agree.
Our guest today is Coach Chris Torres and his organization is called Future Stars Sports Clinic so let’s learn more about Coach Chris, his military service, and the impact his organization has been making, lately.
Future Stars Sports Clinic Main Website:
https://futurestarssportsclinic.com
Cleats 4 Stars Link:
https://futurestarssportsclinic.com/cleats-4-stars/
Purchase a Sponsorship for Future Stars Sports Clinic:
https://futurestarssportsclinic.com/sponsorship/
Future Stars Sports Clinic IG:
https://www.instagram.com/futurestarssportsclinic/
Connect with Coach Torres on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/futurestarsfootballclinic/
Check out our website
Please Support & Donate to the Podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themorningform
USA Made socks with a Purpose. 20% off with code: TMF
https://www.solediersocks.com/tmf
Episode Powered By Act Now Education
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
KP (00:03):
In the military, you're given a uniform and instructed
on how to do things and when todo them. But what happens when
the cadence fades, and you're nolonger wearing that uniform? I'm
Kp and I started this podcast tofill that silence with direction
and to provide overall supportfor my beloved military family.
(00:25):
Welcome to the Morningformation. This episode is
powered by act now education, goto www dot ATT now education.com
For free, comprehensiveeducational resources and
opportunities for active dutyveterans, military spouses, and
children.
Chris Torres (00:48):
But here's where the kicker was. And this is what
I've set the future starsfootball clinic at the time, the
kids weren't upset. Because theylost they were upset because the
the friendship and the familyenvironment that I created with
them was gonna go away becausenone of these kids went to the
same elementary schools. Nowthat the season was over,
they're not going to see themanymore. And when I seen that
and realize that, I looked at mycoaches and I said we need to do
(01:11):
this on a bigger scale.
KP (01:19):
Warriors fall in, it's time for formation. Today I'm joined
with a Marine Corps veteran whoI actually met while attending
the military influencerconference in Las Vegas last
fall.
At that time, I got anopportunity to hear all about
our guests, nonprofitorganization, and more
importantly, I actually felt andlistened to the overall passion
(01:41):
behind his project to changelives.
Today's guest is on the show,because he believes in
instilling confidence and hopewith at risk youth through
physical sports activity. Healso includes mentorship and
community service as a majorityand a priority to his
organization. And I certainlycertainly agree and understand
(02:03):
the importance, especially intoday's world, of why he would
prioritize these things.
Our guest today is Coach ChrisTorres. And his organization is
called Future Star SportsClinic. So let's learn more
about Chris and his militaryservice, and the impact that his
outstanding organization hasbeen making lately. Chris,
welcome to the Morningformation.
Chris Torres (02:24):
Center for those man, thank you for having me in
this formation, I haven't beenin a formation in since 2014.
KP (02:32):
You know, what's funny is is I am not a morning person, for
me to call it the morningformation is, is kind of like
counter to what I actuallyenjoy.
But the thing about beinginformation that was a time for
us to take accountability, checkin with one another after a long
weekend, disseminateinformation, you know, check on
health and welfare, the wholenine yards.
(02:53):
So that's why I named thepodcast, the morning formation,
even though it was a shitty timeand you knew that you're gonna
get ready to run, you know, sixto eight miles on a PT, you
know, on your PT run, it wasstill a good time for that
camaraderie and for us to checkin with one another.
So thank you for being here. AndI really appreciate the
opportunity was great meetingyou too in person. That's kind
(03:14):
of rare in today's world, a lotof a lot of my guests I've met
virtually.
But what I found reallyoutstanding was just talking to
you and your father there at theMC in in Las Vegas was to hear
about your organization. Andwe're gonna learn more about
that. But first, I want to diginto your time in the Marines.
Would you mind talking to theaudience about where you were
(03:35):
stationed? Why you chose theMarine Corps and talk about like
some of your deployments aswell.
Chris Torres (03:41):
Yeah, no prob. So, um, you know, my father is a
marine as well. So followed suitkind of, sort of, well, I joined
the Marine Corps in 2002.
And, you know, I it was adecision I made after kind of
just figuring out like, youknow, you gotta you gotta done
what high school you don't haveno direction or, or what's
(04:02):
really going on with life.
And that was a big footballstar, where I grew up, and I
thought that was going to be theend of the tunnel. But you know,
that's, that's small present. SoI ended up joining the Marine
Corps, and I was probably thebest decision I made it, you
know, it made me who I was orwho I am now.
During my tenure in the MarineCorps, I actually, I was air
(04:23):
wing guy. So I have Marine CorpsAir when I was a maintenance
administration specialist. Didthat for four years until I got
my secondary MOS. So I'massuming there's a lot of
military people that watch thispodcast. So MOS military
occupational specialty. After myfirst enlistment, I got a
secondary MOS, which was adatabase analyst.
(04:45):
So I analyze basically all thedefects that came off planes
when they landed and you know, Iprovided mission capability
rates to the squadrons and justvery analytical job. I did that
for 14 years, deployment wise. Idid Iraq, Afghanistan, it
actually eight deployments.
While I was in I did eight, ufive UDPS. And three combat
(05:06):
deployments.
And it was a it takes a toll, asyou know, from when you when you
deploy, it takes a toll onfamily, it takes a toll on you
mentally. And I just got anappointment in the Marine Corps,
which I don't knock it it justit was time for me to take the
next step, close that book,close a chapter in that book and
(05:26):
start renewing and writing thenext chapter. But yeah, you
know, I've served my time. And,you know, I've had since the
Marine Corps is different. Soobviously, we you know, we have
a lot of different branches.
And a lot of people say,Actually, we met the guy that
created a CRT was at the crownsready to eat. Frank. Yeah,
Frank. But um, you know, weMarines are very tight knit
(05:49):
group of, of individuals. That'swhy they're called The Few The
Proud.
And, you know, I actuallyyesterday, I got a phone call
for one of my buddies who, youknow, went to go meet his maker,
and those are the type of thingsthat that are tight with
Marines, and we kind of stay intouch.
So we're going to take care ofhim at the end of the month. But
(06:10):
um, yeah, that was my time inthe Marine Corps. I don't regret
a day of it. I got to see a lotof the world and it's actually
put me in the position now to dowhat I'm doing, which is
impacting our community andusing those pillars of success
that I came to, were instilledfrom from the Marine Corps and
having that honor, courage,commitment, and instilling that
(06:33):
noun Are you.
KP (06:36):
Yeah, no doubt about it. I agree, like military service in
itself is a great transition. Ifyou're not going to be going to
college right after high school,or if you are, if you somehow
incorporate the reserves or theNational Guard into that next
step. I think that that onlyenhances your overall leadership
abilities.
I know a lot of folks that leavehigh school that go straight
(06:57):
into college, and they don'tserve in the military. Well, the
thing about the military that'sso great, in my opinion, is the
fact that they put you out frontearly. I mean, I was a I was
enlisted in the National Guard,then I went active duty as an
officer. So at 23 years old, Ifound myself in Iraq in charge
of a platoon. How many 23 yearolds can say that right? So
Chris Torres (07:19):
It makes you grow up fast.
KP (07:21):
Oh, yes, you grew up really fast, really fast. And so I'm
sure that had a lot to do withyour overall professional
development. It sounded like youwere a pretty big high school
star. What state was that in?
Chris Torres (07:33):
New Jersey, North Bergen New Jersey, North Bergen
Bruins. So I was running backthere was good times. Man, you
guys, I still stay in contactwith some of those guys that I
played football with back in theday.
As a matter of fact, one ofthem's my best friend. I was the
best man at his wedding. He wenton and played at a Brian
University, we have a coupleguys that made it the one. So I
(07:54):
mean, it's a football sport ingeneral, not just football. But
sport in general is a very,almost military like ideal, you
know, organization. So
KP (08:08):
yeah, no doubt, I tell you what, in between the discipline
that it takes for a collegiateathlete to go to practice,
maintain grades, maintain timemanagement, all those things, as
well as like the military, it's,at the end of the day, I think
it's even more impressive to bea collegiate athlete, or more
impressive to be in the militarywhile going to college, because
(08:31):
I think there's a whole notherside to professional
development, that that alsoenhances as well.
And you know that all this ledyou to eventually start your
nonprofit, which is future starssports clinic. And so would you
mind talking to us about whatthat's all about?
Chris Torres (08:46):
Man, this thing is a great program. So if you just
started SPORTS CLINIC incepted.
In 2017, I had just got back, Iwas actually a contractor now.
So I contract for specialoperations. And I just got back
from Africa.
And unfortunately, one of theNavy SEALs that were on our
(09:07):
operations that passed on that,that operation that we were
supporting. And it was a very,it was very close to home. So at
that point, I say, You knowwhat? I had just had my son. My
son is a six year old, he's sixnow his first name is Captain.
There's a military aspect again,right? And I just said, You know
what, I gotta I gotta come backhome.
(09:28):
So I ended up leaving that joband working for mission
planning, supporting pentagonand program managers and stuff.
And at that time, until my wifewas like, hey, I want to give
back to the community. I want tostart coaching football. I want
to get back to my roots. And Iwent to the city here in Fort
Walton Beach, Florida. And Iasked if they needed any
volunteers to coach and whatended up happening was, they did
(09:49):
and I showed up and when Ishowed up, the head coach I was
supposed to be coaching underdidn't show up.
So I became the head coach, andwhat I took over a team before
Walton B Each Bulldogs, which ifI moved my camera, you'd be able
to see on my on my on my wallbehind me. That team was oh, and
eight, the year prior me beingthere. And this is kids that are
eight to 10 years old. So we dida draft, they do a draft down
(10:13):
here. So they get all the kidsand we get to all the coaches
get to run drills with them. Andthen they take you into coaches
go in a room.
And we basically pick from youknow, what are the worst worst
record last year, you get thefirst pick, you know, just like
normal drafts. And obviously, wehad the worst record because we
were oh eight. And we draft itup. And at the end of that
season, we were eight and oh,and we were into the
(10:34):
championship. And that mean,that's just astronomical
changes. And the kid the kidsthat are on our team, there was
19 of them. And I reason I knowthat is because I told every
single one of them, you're notgoing to quit. And we start with
19, we end with 19.
And how I know that because I'ma big Eagles fan. And I have a
jersey that's number 19 that thekids got me at the end of the
(10:55):
season. So fly Eagles fly over aSuper Bowl in two weeks. But um,
we went into the championship ondefeated and we lost. And
obviously the kids were upset.
But you know, we've made extremestrides for the better.
But here's where the kicker was.
And this is what I've set thefuture stars football clinic at
the time. The kids weren'tupset, because they lost they
(11:16):
were upset because the thefriendship and the family
environment that I created withthem was going to go away
because none of these kids wentto the same elementary schools.
There's so many elementaryschools on here. So now that the
season was over, they're notgoing to see them anymore. And
when I seen that and realizethat, I looked at my coaches and
I said we need to do this on abigger scale.
(11:37):
And at that point, future starsfootball clinic was incepted.
And what it did was football, wewould do football, leading up to
football starting or signing upfor the season. But what we will
do is teach the fundamentals,how to play the game in a
noncontact non competitiveenvironment, basically, creating
(11:59):
a safe environment. So when theyput a helmet on and their front
of a coach, they have somewhatof an idea what's going on,
which does two things, it makesthe game safer. And it makes the
game more strategic for thecoach that's getting these kids,
instead of having to teach themfrom scratch, they have an idea.
And that's what started thisprogram. But but we want it to
be as a step different from yournormal clinic. We took these
(12:26):
kids and teach them thefundamentals of the sport over
five Saturdays in a row forfree, because we get the
community to back the program.
And out of those five Saturdaysone of those Saturdays has
nothing to do with football.
And these are kids that are agessix to 13. And what we do is we
take them when we do a communityservice event with those kids.
So I think our first year we dida food drive.
(12:46):
The second year, we did a beachcleanup, and last year, which
was our fifth year, we actuallyhad 350 kids on the beach
planning CEOs to preserve ourbeaches down here in Florida
250,000 CEOs got planted lastyear by our program. So it's it
that's that's what delineates usfrom your normal conditioning
and sports and drills clinic. So
KP (13:08):
yeah, it's absolutely amazing. So how many kids today
do you currently have tocurrently serve?
Chris Torres (13:14):
All right, so she's from 2017, we had 68, kids
show up 2018 was 110 2019 was150 2020 was 250 2021 was 250.
Again, right around the same.
And last year, we had 350. Sowe've impacted a lot of kids.
KP (13:36):
Wow, growing up. And so that family environment that you
created, would you say that it'svery similar to sort of the
environment that you experiencedwhile you were in the Marine
Corps while you were stationedin certain places or maybe even
deployed?
Chris Torres (13:50):
For sure. I mean, a lot of those basic
fundamentals and basic idealsthat the Marine Corps instilled
in me, we're just instilling itat a lower level with these
kids. And what we're doing isteaching them those, those five
pillars of success that weimplement over those five weeks,
which is practice, teamwork,focus, discipline, and respect.
(14:12):
Without without those, I mean,that has a lot to do with sport,
but it has to do a lot withlife.
And if you follow those at thispivotal age six to 13 You're
going to be a future star,whatever you choose to be that
no pun intended. That's why thename of the program is called
future stars.
And I think like I said it wasfuture stars football clinic,
we've just recently changed thename to future Star Sports
(14:34):
Clinic. And what why we did thatwas because we're going to now
implement for more sports overthe next two to three years,
which will allow us to impactfour times as many youths in our
community and basically youknow, we want it we want to do
this as a whole because societyright now in both me and you
know, it's not where I believeit should be you know, there's a
(14:58):
lot of selfishness there's a lotof He is not giving back.
And this is, this is the waythat I believe I've been given a
platform to impact our youth. Sowe can see change in the future.
Again, there's that word future.
KP (15:13):
I agree with you 1,000% On that there's a lot of adults
today that have gone throughthat gone through a lot overcome
obstacles have experience, butare failing to reach back and
share those lessons learned. Andit's simple mentoring. And it's
so funny how whenever I helpsomeone, a young adult, navigate
(15:36):
into what career field they wantto get into how other adults
around me are kind of looking atme like why like, Why do you
care? Like, why are you becauseI get very, very passionate
about it, because I do care.
Like, I know what it's like, notunderstanding not knowing not
having any guidance at all, whenyou're walking into something or
going into something, whether itwas, you know, sort of getting
(15:57):
into the military or whether itwas becoming an officer
deploying, a lot of times, Idon't know about you, but I
found myself walking into a darkroom and not having anyone
really to talk to you or askquestions that would give me the
time or day and then those timeswhen I did have help or a
mentor, it was really refreshingto make an informed decision.
(16:19):
So at the end of the day, Ireally think that you're
building, you are buildingfuture stars and future future
leaders. And I find it funny howsometimes, how an unfortunate
event like a coach not showingup sort of evolves into an
opportunity like this into nowyou're 300 Kids strong, and
(16:40):
you're changing lives.
For so many families out there,you know, and, you know, I
understand that yourorganization works specifically
with the Florida, FloridaPanhandle, right. And and you
you know, you've expanded to,you know, a total of five sports
now. Talk about those sports,and whether or not you plan on
(17:00):
expanding the geographicallocations as well.
Chris Torres (17:04):
Oh, perfect. Yeah, no problem. So, again, you know,
it is a mentorship program wherewe're just using sport as a as a
vehicle to mentor these kids. Soa lot of our volunteers that are
part of this program, they'reactive duty, veterans, special
operators, coaches, parents, soyou know, we it's a full circle
(17:24):
program, we get the militaryinvolved, as well, as matter of
fact, I think the seven SpecialOperations Group is going to be
involved heavily with our clinicthis April. And the reason I
wanted to involve them wasbecause I actually connected
with Ruben Ayala from triplenickel that was out at a MC when
we were out there
Unknown (17:44):
as well. Really well.
They're actually printing ourshirts this year. Yeah, that's
awesome. Yeah,
Chris Torres (17:51):
they're printing assurance. Because triple nickel
right? Yeah, you got five.
There's a synergistic numberagain, oh, five, five pillars,
five clinics. You know, 555,triple nickel, I wore number
five, when I played football, Igrew up on Fifth Street, you
know? So and then now like toanswer that question, we are
evolving into five sports. Sowe're going to slow play that
(18:11):
we're going to, basicallyfootball is what we stood up for
the past five years, there's anumber five again. But we're
gonna, at the end of this year,when implemented probably
baseball and soccer.
And we're going to do a one dayclinic instead of five to kind
of stand it up, find the rightperson to stand it up. And then
that way, at the end of thisyear, we will we've had three
(18:32):
different sports that we've ran.
Then next year, we're going torun two more probably either
Basketball, basketball, and onemore, we don't know what the
sport is going to be. Right nowat this point, we're going to
see what interest comes from thecommunity.
And then we'll stand up that oneas well with a one day pilot
clinic. So at the end of 2024,we've had already ran five
(18:53):
different sports. When we gointo 2025, those four new sports
went to run for three days. Thatwill we have a fundamental
clinic, a conditioning clinic,and then a community service
clinic, because we've got tomake sure that we implement that
because that's what standsapart. And then we'll make sure
we do three and then I say bythe end of 2025, we're going to
(19:14):
be running future Star SportsClinic 25 weeks out of the year.
And when that's done thebaselines there, the
architecture is there, where nowwe have a headquarters here down
in Fort Walton Beach and we canpick this program out and take
it to communities outside ofFlorida that need future Star
Sports claim to impact theircommunity as well.
(19:34):
So, that is the that is themanifestation that is the idea
is just getting there requires Iknow you've heard the phrase, it
takes a village. So we got a wedon't want these kids to pay $1
for this program. So you know,we depend on the community,
business sponsors and everybodyto just support this program so
(19:56):
we can continue growing andcontinue impacting communities.
You here and abroad.
KP (20:02):
I'll tell you what man things like the military
influencer conference did anoutstanding job as far as
connecting so many folks. Youmentioned triple nickel. And you
mentioned Rubin, and ChrisMcPhee, that whole group in
itself is an outstanding group.
And then earlier you mentionedFrank Frank man TAO. And the
thing that I love about this manis like, things are coming in
(20:23):
circles. And it's like, youknow, they're helping you out,
you're also supporting them. AndI think that was the best thing
about the military influencerconference that that took place.
And it's, I think it'sabsolutely amazing that they're
going to be part of your journeyto grow, and that you have such
big aspirations going forward.
And things have grown, literallyfrom 19, kids to over 300 Kids,
(20:47):
now, you're doing a lot, andyou're getting a lot done, and
you're changing a lot of lives,man, and I gotta give you a mad
praise for that. Because I lovementoring, I love trying to get
folks that are behind me comingup my path, just to make sure
they don't have to have the sameobstacles that I had.
So they can be even better thanme. And there's nothing better
(21:08):
than seeing that over time,watching young adults evolve
into a better professional, thenI was making better decisions
than I did. I think that's whatfuels me more than anything
else. And during your time inthe Marine Corps, you know, Can
Can you talk about how your timeand service played into your
entire decision to do thisnonprofit and reach back to
(21:32):
start future stars?
Chris Torres (21:35):
So that my time and service, you know, when I
when I was promoted to when Igot to the staff NCO ranks, you
know, it gets political. And Imean, you know, you're an
officer, you know, they say, yougot the enlisted side, and then
you got the dark side, you know,I mean, yes, yes.
You can, I noticed that when Iwas in and when I got promoted
(21:57):
and realized, you know, I'm, I'mgonna give myself a two year
reenlistment, and let me seewhat this really looks like. And
I think within the military aswell, we need some mentoring, as
well.
And I think some people got,they get to a level of, of time
and grade or even just rank andthey forget that it's about the
(22:19):
institution, it's about theunit, you know. And when you
forget that, you you've kind ofthrown away a lot of the basic
information or basic basicvalues that you got when you
went to bootcamp. So when I seenthat, and I got out, that's one
(22:41):
of the main reasons why I gotout. But again, it's just it was
just a, it was a decision, Ithink I needed to make a genuine
retire.
So like I'm out on my own,because I felt it was the right
decision make at the time. Andanyway, it was I don't regret
it, they have it. But it alsoallowed me to realize it's about
the unit, it's not about me, andactually had a conversation with
(23:03):
Colonel Dwyer, who is the CEO ofthe seventh Special Operations
Group. And, man, if you ever geta chance to talk to any special
operators, they're differentgroup of human beings.
And you know, I got to talk tohim to get his guys to come and
volunteer. But Colonel Dwyer,you know, in 2007, he was hit
with RPG, he's missing an arm,he's missing an eye. And that's
one of the things he did tellme, it stuck deep with me,
(23:28):
because, believe it or not, hepulled his eye out in the
conference room, and he goes,Hey, I want to tell you
something, because what you'redoing is amazing. But my, if you
look at it, I have employment,and he had the seventh Special
Forces Group emblem in his eye.
And he goes, he told me thewhole story. And I said, you
know, I appreciate him have toshare that with me. That's,
(23:48):
that's, you know, that's nearand dear to somebody's heart.
And I appreciate that. But whathe said after that, because I
did it for a specific reason Iput that emblem there.
So when I wake up in themorning, and I look myself in
the in the in the face, and lookmyself in the mirror, and I see
that emblem and reminds me it'snot about me, it's about the
unit.
And for everything he's gonethrough and what's going on. And
(24:10):
you know, it's just to hearsomebody as humble as that, that
that just drives people like meto do this even more to impact
you to impact and make changefor the future. Because if you
really think about it, what arewe really doing everybody has a
story and our story should andalways hope and inspire other
(24:31):
people to be better versions ofthemselves.
KP (24:34):
was definitely man when you said that about Colonel Dwyer
that kind of gave me goosebumps
Chris Torres (24:41):
you should have seen how I was driving home from
from that from thatconversation.
KP (24:47):
That's deep man. Like honestly, that's, that's that's
pure. That's pure compassion manand just being loyal to
something more than just money.
You know? And that's, that'ssomething the world is our
society today is so surroundedby the importance of money, and
plenty of materialistic money,materialistic stuff, and we
(25:09):
forget about the drive, to takecare of people and to help
people out, you know, and it'sgreat to connect with folks like
you, Chris, because at the endof the day, you know, you're
doing you're doing outstandingwork for so many families out
there, man.
And I'm not just when I wasreading your your website and
and taking a look at some of thevideos and stuff on there. And
you're not just involved inholding camps. But for my
(25:32):
understanding, you're alsoinvolved with programs to help
kids pay for cleats. You're alsoinvolved with helping kids go to
actual college football camps aswell. I mean, you're doing so
many things out there. Can youtalk to us a little bit about
that as well?
Chris Torres (25:45):
Hey, yeah, I'm glad you brought it up. So the
cleats thing that actually itwas my is not really mine. So we
had a participant that came intomy program. He was a participant
when he was 10.
And he was there for threeyears. And now he's a junior in
high school, Anthony Gassaway.
And now he's a volunteer for theprogram. So you know, he's, he's
(26:06):
like, getting promoted. Well,and 20 I think last two years
ago, was his freshman year inhigh school. And I didn't know
but his mom had told me andsaid, hey, you know, Anthony
didn't play football asfreshmen. I was like, why he had
an ACL tear.
I didn't know I normally followup so bad on me. I was following
(26:28):
my kids. So I said, Oh, man,that sucks. How's uh How's his
therapy going? How was surgeryas a coach was the first thing
your eyes and said everything'sfine.
He's from Nevar, Florida,Michael Carter running back from
the Jetsons from Northern Nevaras well. And she told me I'm
Michael has been texting him andwelcome to the process. I text
Mike automatically and Mike,this is a good K man, thank you
(26:50):
for you know, it's not so oftenas a high school athlete, you
have NFL player telling you hey,man, you're gonna get through
it, you know, I mean.
And so, long story short, at theend of our fourth annual
futuresource football clinic, myVP, also the guy who wrote me
and said this program who was acoach with the Bulldogs, when we
did the inception his program.
(27:12):
He wanted to do a fishing tripto commemorate, you know, our
fourth annual football clinicand also was my first year
coaching middle school footballand we had a championship run
and he goes, Hey, we're going tocommemorate you winning your
first championship and middleschool kind of Jinx because we
lost in the first round of theplayoffs. But um, he's like,
we're gonna go catch tuna. Wewant to catch a big fish. That's
(27:33):
okay. I said planet.
And we'll just make it happen.
Just let me know how much so Ithink that was in June when he
called me when he was planningit. And you know, when you say
circles, because you said, youknow, everything comes back and
comes around is full circle. Ihave my dad, who's also the
veteran, he has his Air Forceguy that comes and hangs out in
the neighborhood.
(27:54):
They talk politics and all thatstuff. So I went to tell him
about this fishing trip, I wentto the house and he goes, Hey, I
got this one fishing charter.
They're called all in or outand, and he gave me the card.
And I said, I think my buddyalready planned it. But I hold
on to it and see what's up. AndI let it be my buddy calls me a
month later, my VPN says, Hey,Coach, it's all it's all planned
out. It's done.
(28:16):
We need one more person to go onthis trip. And you know what the
only person I was able to thinkabout was Anthony. So I say, you
know, I got the perfect kid,man. We're going to bring
Anthony I'm going to pay for histrip that way. It's an
opportunity. You know, we'regoing to a tow bar fishing trip
and a catch tuna. And he waslike, Cool. Let's do it. So I
takes Anthony and his mom's Hey,opportunity and fishing trip. 12
(28:37):
hours you want to go? They said,Yeah.
A month after that. I, you know,I reached in my wallet. I saw
that our in Charter BusinessCard. I went on a limb I took a
picture of since my VPS said,Hey, I don't know how deep you
are with this presentation witha charter that you book but call
these guys I heard they're verygood. Here's your first
(28:58):
coincidence.
When I sent him the picture. Hecalled me back and said that's
what we're going with. Wow, whowhat are the odds of that
happening? And, and this storyis going to tie into this Cleese
thing. So give me one segment. Iappreciate you. So I think a
month after that, Anthony's mommessaged me and tells me Hey,
Coach, I want to talk to youabout Anthony. And she calls me
(29:20):
says, Hey, Anthony, his brotherwas murdered last week. And not
only was he murdered, Anthonywas on the phone way with him
when it happened.
And they were playing videogames Call of Duty and then
everything just went out andnobody knew what happened. So
his brother was older. He was abig, you know, mentor for him
for football. So I said momAnthony needs this trip. I can't
(29:43):
I can't say more of it. SoOctober rolls around. We go on
the trip. So a lot of trips, sixguys, Anthony being one of them.
And I told the guys hey, if thatreel starts screaming with a
tuner if he doesn't mind, I hopeI let it let Anthony catch the
first fish, which he did. Andthose pictures are on our
website. And it was the wildthree hours and then we ended up
(30:03):
not catching any more tuna, butwe caught like 350 pounds of
fish. And Coach G my VP waslike, Hey, we're supposed to
catch tuna.
Coach, I'm kind of pissed. Wepay good money for this and say,
Man, it's not about you is aboutAnthony is about this kid has
been the experience. And on ourway back from the trip. Anthony
was like, I got a chance tomentor him. But I hear koji
(30:26):
tolko the deckhand and thedeckhand is 18 Rokinon Tyler,
and they're talking about thisfish that coach Geez, dad caught
in shoot, I forget. But it wasthe biggest King Mac whatever
coming destined was 65 pounds.
And come to find out. We were onthe same boat. That coach G dad
(30:46):
caught that 60 pounds 65 poundmacro and because his dad passed
away from COVID, the year prior.
So I looked over his you see,you're trying to be selfish and
just an opportunity of closurewith your dad. Now how does this
tie into this?
The cleats. There's a foundationin enterprise Alabama called the
remember my Cal foundation. Imet them through one of my
(31:08):
sponsors, I once my sponsors,open house, and I didn't talk to
anybody I've set, Mike andMichelle Smith. I didn't know
what they were about. But I toldthem Anthony story, and they got
very quiet. And he goes, we wantto support what you do. We give
kids cleats and this and theother. So he gives me his card.
And I didn't know anything abouthis foundation. And he calls me
the Wednesday after that andsays, Hey, Coach Torres, it's
(31:29):
Mike Smith, I met you at CJsigns and designs. And he goes
me and my wife, we heard yourstory and they hit a nerve. And
the nerve hit was because theirson was murdered the day before
Thanksgiving. That same year. Soit was it's the stories aligned.
And so basically goes, Hey,Coach, I want to you know, help
you out.
I want to give cleats to kids aswell. So we have 350 kids, I
(31:52):
don't know if you can do that.
But I think we should do this.
How about I recommend you starta scholarship. And we call it
the remember Michael scholarshipin partnership with future Star
Sports Clinic. And what we'll dois we'll give that to an
outstanding student athlete thatcomes in volunteers. Needless to
say, Who do you think our firstnominee was? Man? Exactly. It
(32:12):
was Anthony.
And we and it was a $250scholarship, you know, nothing
too crazy. But we presented itto him in front of all the kids.
And you know, Anthony's mom wentto the car they had their
moment. And obviously it'semotional moment is still fresh.
I get a phone call from Anthony.
And Anthony says, Hey, Coach, Iwant to thank you for this a 50
year old kid. Coach, I want tothank you for nominating me for
this scholarship. And the reasonI did so you know, my coach's
(32:36):
name doesn't get forgotteneither. Because future stars
isn't going anywhere. So thatpartnership will always be
there. But Anthony said, Hey, meand my family pretty well off
our $50 I want to add it to the250.
And Coach, I want you to help mefigure out how I can give kids
cleats. So he started cleats forstars Anthony did, and I created
(32:57):
the the logo for him, we put iton the website. So he didn't
have to start a nonprofit thatwe that we have falls in with
what we're doing. He said wecall it police resource because
I wanted to I want people toknow where where it incepted
from it and set different futurestars.
And now I mean, he's already,you know, he's a 615, six year
old kid, you know, and weempowered him with doing that to
(33:19):
remove the negativity that wascurrently in his life and
provide positivity to show himand teach them how to give back
how to change people's lives.
And you know, his life itselfwas impacted.
And, you know, that just showsyou the program is working.
Because nobody asked Anthony todo that. He did that on his own.
So that's where at least forstars came from. I know it was a
(33:41):
little long winded, but it's astory that people need to hear.
KP (33:45):
It makes sense, because I was looking at the website and I
see McHale Foundation, and I seeyour first nominee. And it ties
everything in together. And itmakes sense now like who this
person is why it's so why it'sso memorable and important for
him to be the first the firstnominee and the first recipient
(34:05):
of this. So how old is he? No.
Chris Torres (34:08):
He's 15.
KP (34:10):
Wow.
Yeah, amazing. Amazing. 15 yearsold, and it's already running a
and
Chris Torres (34:17):
as soon as we started his campaign, he started
his campaign he raised $3,000 in24 hours.
KP (34:23):
Wow. Absolutely amazing.
I'll make sure that I put thatin the show notes for this
podcast.
Chris Torres (34:31):
We've already started giving clean up the kids
and everything. So cleaningequipment is as simple as I'm
going to the site and requestingit. I go to Anthony and he makes
the decision and we make thepurchase and get into the kids
that need it. Yeah,
KP (34:43):
there's so many branches involved with your nonprofit
like cleats, cleats for stars.
And then you also have the otherprogram where you're paying for
the students or I'm sorry, theathletes to go to college like
real college football camps aswell. Right
Chris Torres (35:00):
Yes, sir, those are all our student athletes
that come from the localcommunity, high schools, they're
affording their time asvolunteers, whatever residual
funding we have leftover forthat year. If we have, if we
have the funding, we take themand we take them to the Nick
Saban, Alabama, of footballcamp, when we take them to any
campus, local, you know, allthose poor kids and we took last
(35:23):
year for sophomores in highschool, these are opportunities
that they probably would havenever seen.
But again, you know, all that issolely dependent on the
community and people donatingand sponsoring this program,
because at the end of the year,we expend all that funding. And
then we do it all over again,it's a rinse and repeat process.
(35:44):
So currently, we are in theworks of getting grant level
sponsorship, which will kind ofremove the financial burden.
So we can focus solely on makingfuture stars what it's supposed
to be your future Star SportsClinic was supposed to be and
not have any financial concernand just impact live. So I mean,
(36:05):
it brings it it brings a smileand a gleam. So I just knowing
that that's going to comebecause this program is just
that genuine.
KP (36:13):
Yeah. And just to underline again, future stars is a program
that charges zero to theathletes that are getting
involved with it. $0.
So I mean, there's really noexcuses. I mean, especially in a
world like today, I had a buddyof mine whose son is going to be
graduating this year as a seniorrewind back to four years ago,
(36:33):
as he was going into into highschool, we would go to the gym
and workout and I was talking tohis son about the importance of
surrounding yourself withscholar athletes. You know, I
was telling him, hey, if youhang out with five idiots that
makes you the sixth idiot.
So I said, it's really importantas you go into high school to
hang out with scholar athletes.
And I said, you know, because myown personal experience, I
played football, wrestled rantrack in high school. And I was
(36:56):
like wrestling was probably eventhough I love football.
Wrestling, for me was probablyone of the most humbling sports
that I ever did. And I told him,I said, if you're not going to
play football, because he's alittle undersized, I say you
need to consider getting intowrestling.
Because so much adversity, justyou and somebody else on the
(37:16):
mat. There's really no one elseto blame but yourself if you win
or lose. And anyways, this kidhad his own intestinal fortitude
to freshman year, startwrestling. And here we are. Four
years later, he literally hisentire team just won their
conference here in LA. And he'sjust he just an amazing, amazing
young man.
(37:37):
And, you know, it's sports to meis so important. And so I'm, I'm
so glad that I actually got achance to talk to you today. And
you mentioned Michael Carterearlier, being one of the
athletes that supports theprogram. Would you mind talking
about some of the otherprofessional athletes out there
as well, and maybe some of themajor sponsors that you've had
to support this program?
Awesome. Yeah,
Chris Torres (37:58):
for sure. So I was you know, we operate in in
April, every Saturday in April.
So at the end of every clinic,we have a guest speaker, whether
it's NFL player, whether it's amotivational speaker, whether
it's you know, just someonewho's going to uplift and kind
of maybe turn a light bulb on tosome of the teenagers are just
some of the youth that we havein the program.
(38:21):
You can see some of thesepictures behind me so we have
Robert Davis, he played for theEagles you got to know the eagle
to kill spikes down there. Sothere's a lot of pictures that
are actually here behind me.
These are all athletes who havecome to the clinic or that I
know personally who support whatwe do. And you know we want to
get more athletes to come downto Florida destin areas
(38:42):
beautiful area and you know,come down a few stars football
clinic come down to visit oursports clinic while we do
baseball, soccer, you know, wewant you to come down.
Jared Johnson is another one heplayed for the Ravens alongside
Ray Lewis he he's one of oursponsors, who runs black rifle
coffee up here in Niceville.
Florida was in Florida Power andLight just became a sponsor. We
(39:03):
have I can go sponsor why somany, because our donation
levels so low. I look at it as Ithink right now we have about 65
local and national sponsors. Andthat's a lot of it's some of it
could be unkind, some of it ismonetary.
But I look at it as we keep itlow, because I want sponsorship
(39:27):
in quantity. Because myself myboard and my team we provide the
quality on the field. And ittakes like I said earlier it
takes a village so if this issomething you believe in, and
you believe in investing in ouryouth, you believe in sport, any
type of sport.
Look at what we're doing. Lookat what we're going to bring to
(39:49):
a city near you support it,donate it, you know, in 10 $5 It
doesn't have to be a lot butit's going to make a difference
and we've done so much with solittle for the past six years,
it's time to make the sky thelimit. And that's where we need
to really get behind. So ifyou're watching this and a
fellow players, if you know NFLplayers, put them in touch with
(40:11):
us, put them on our website nowand check stuff out. But that's
really what it boils down to isbringing awareness to a program
that is going to changecommunities in the future.
KP (40:25):
And no doubt about it. If you are someone that's listening
out there, and you haveconnections with pro athletes
that can even just show supportfor this in any way, whether it
be on social media or in person,please check out the website,
it'll be down in thedescription.
If you're watching this onYouTube, check the description
out. If you're on audio andaudio platform, check out the
(40:45):
show notes down there. I willlink the main website as well as
coach Chris's Instagram andFacebook. But if anyone out
there is interested inconnecting with you, coach
besides Instagram, Facebook, andthe website, which has your
email address and phone numberon there, What's are you on any
(41:06):
other platforms not mentioned?
Chris Torres (41:09):
I'm on LinkedIn.
But all of that's on thewebsite, you scroll down to the
bottom says contact us you haveour our LinkedIn or YouTube or
Facebook or Instagram. There's,there's no reason not to get in
contact with us. I want to hearfrom you. I want to talk to you.
I want to inspire you.
And hopefully you know when it'stime to move this to other
(41:29):
geographical areas of the UnitedStates, we find somebody that
has the passion that I do thatwants to give back and let's
collaborate let's let's let'slink up and let's make this
happen. Because it's not too farwhen you just started coming to
the city near you.
KP (41:44):
Yeah, if you have a love for sports, and you have a passion
for reaching back and helpingout others, and seeing the
fruits of your labor, I mean,that's the biggest thing for me
is actually watching youngadults grow into professionals
is what energizes me and getsme, you know, going and gets me
fueled.
So my hat's off to you for doingsuch a great creating such a
(42:05):
great organization doing such agreat job. Now, before we end
the episode today, coach, do youhave any advice for folks out
there in the military community?
Maybe someone that's thinkingabout starting a nonprofit
themselves? Or someone thatmight be interested in taking
that step forward, but mighthave some reservations about it?
Chris Torres (42:29):
I sure do. And I'm sure you can talk on this too,
once I say it. So if you areventuring on, you know become an
entrepreneur, or becoming youknow, running your own nonprofit
have something that you believein. It's like we were in Vegas,
right? Was Vegas known for it'sknown for betting?
No, you go out there, you betyou don't play some crabs play
(42:52):
blackjack and put you taking achance. Right? If you believe in
what it is, that you're wantingto do, bet on yourself. Take the
risk and bet on yourself. Youknow what I'm telling you that
and I'm, I'm looking directly atyou if you're listening, bet on
yourself. Because if you'regonna bet on yourself, you can't
lose, you're not going to lose.
If you bet on yourself, just goahead and go do it. And it's
(43:14):
going to be tough.
So it's not hard. I mean, it'snot easy. If it was easy,
everyone would be doing it, Ican tell you right now, I'm
still not where we need to be.
But it's all part of theprocess. And you have to go
through that process, we got togrind to get where it needs to
be. None of these, none ofpeople that have been
successful, are successful ontheir own. So you got to make
sure that you, you know, yougrab just like you said earlier,
(43:37):
you know, surround yourself withscholar athletes.
One thing that my dad alwaystold me, tell me who you hang
with, I'll tell you who you are.
So, look at your surroundings,make sure you're on the right
people, and take whatever youbelieve in, and go full force
and bet on yourself. Because ifyou're going to do that you're
going to be successful. And theone thing like our slogan for
(43:57):
future stars is, if we believewe can, then we will, all it
takes is one person to believein you. The rest is up to you.
KP (44:07):
That's great advice. And that's true. Sounds like you're
really creating a great familydown there with these kids. With
those 19 that you started with,you know, and to the 300 that
you have today, you keep doingthe great job that you do. And
Coach, I really appreciate yougiving us the opportunity to get
to know more about yourorganization.
(44:28):
And for anyone out therelistening. Please check out the
website. You know if you cansupport this in some way, shape
or form, even if it's throughsharing through social media,
follow him on Instagram, followhim on Facebook, share some of
the stories that he's got goingon. Because at the end of the
day, this is this is our future.
This is tomorrow's generationcoming up and we need to build
leaders. Our society todaycertainly needs it more than
(44:50):
more than ever. So Coach, thankyou so much for joining us on
the morning formation. I reallyappreciate it
Chris Torres (44:58):
Sacra Fidelis
KP (45:01):
Hey folks, and for everyone else out there, please check out
the website, check him out onsocial media. And as always, I
want you to stay tuned, stayfocused, and stay motivated.
Warriors fallout. You've beenlistening to the morning
formation podcast. I hope youfound today's materials helpful
(45:22):
and of value to your currentsituation.
You can connect with me onInstagram at the underscore
morning underscore formationunderscore podcast. Or you can
connect with me via email at theformation podcaster@gmail.com.
(45:43):
Also, I would like to thank mypartners at act no education for
their support, authenticity,community and trusted is what
you can expect from all membersof the Act now education team.
You can link up with them todayand learn about some new free
educational resources on theirFacebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or
(46:06):
at their website act noweducation.com whether today's
show took you back to anhistoric time or helped you
think about tomorrow. Thank youfor tuning in. And I look
forward to seeing you again.
Stay safe and stay motivated.
Warriors Fallout
In the military, you're given a uniform and instructed
on how to do things and when todo them. But what happens when
the cadence fades, and you're nolonger wearing that uniform? I'm
Kp and I started this podcast tofill that silence with direction
and to provide overall supportfor my beloved military family.
(00:25):
Welcome to the Morningformation. This episode is
powered by act now education, goto www dot ATT now education.com
For free, comprehensiveeducational resources and
opportunities for active dutyveterans, military spouses, and
children.
Chris Torres (00:48):
But here's where the kicker was. And this is what
I've set the future starsfootball clinic at the time, the
kids weren't upset. Because theylost they were upset because the
the friendship and the familyenvironment that I created with
them was gonna go away becausenone of these kids went to the
same elementary schools. Nowthat the season was over,
they're not going to see themanymore. And when I seen that
and realize that, I looked at mycoaches and I said we need to do
(01:11):
this on a bigger scale.
KP (01:19):
Warriors fall in, it's time for formation. Today I'm joined
with a Marine Corps veteran whoI actually met while attending
the military influencerconference in Las Vegas last
fall.
At that time, I got anopportunity to hear all about
our guests, nonprofitorganization, and more
importantly, I actually felt andlistened to the overall passion
(01:41):
behind his project to changelives.
Today's guest is on the show,because he believes in
instilling confidence and hopewith at risk youth through
physical sports activity. Healso includes mentorship and
community service as a majorityand a priority to his
organization. And I certainlycertainly agree and understand
(02:03):
the importance, especially intoday's world, of why he would
prioritize these things.
Our guest today is Coach ChrisTorres. And his organization is
called Future Star SportsClinic. So let's learn more
about Chris and his militaryservice, and the impact that his
outstanding organization hasbeen making lately. Chris,
welcome to the Morningformation.
Chris Torres (02:24):
Center for those man, thank you for having me in
this formation, I haven't beenin a formation in since 2014.
KP (02:32):
You know, what's funny is is I am not a morning person, for
me to call it the morningformation is, is kind of like
counter to what I actuallyenjoy.
But the thing about beinginformation that was a time for
us to take accountability, checkin with one another after a long
weekend, disseminateinformation, you know, check on
health and welfare, the wholenine yards.
(02:53):
So that's why I named thepodcast, the morning formation,
even though it was a shitty timeand you knew that you're gonna
get ready to run, you know, sixto eight miles on a PT, you
know, on your PT run, it wasstill a good time for that
camaraderie and for us to checkin with one another.
So thank you for being here. AndI really appreciate the
opportunity was great meetingyou too in person. That's kind
(03:14):
of rare in today's world, a lotof a lot of my guests I've met
virtually.
But what I found reallyoutstanding was just talking to
you and your father there at theMC in in Las Vegas was to hear
about your organization. Andwe're gonna learn more about
that. But first, I want to diginto your time in the Marines.
Would you mind talking to theaudience about where you were
(03:35):
stationed? Why you chose theMarine Corps and talk about like
some of your deployments aswell.
Chris Torres (03:41):
Yeah, no prob. So, um, you know, my father is a
marine as well. So followed suitkind of, sort of, well, I joined
the Marine Corps in 2002.
And, you know, I it was adecision I made after kind of
just figuring out like, youknow, you gotta you gotta done
what high school you don't haveno direction or, or what's
(04:02):
really going on with life.
And that was a big footballstar, where I grew up, and I
thought that was going to be theend of the tunnel. But you know,
that's, that's small present. SoI ended up joining the Marine
Corps, and I was probably thebest decision I made it, you
know, it made me who I was orwho I am now.
During my tenure in the MarineCorps, I actually, I was air
(04:23):
wing guy. So I have Marine CorpsAir when I was a maintenance
administration specialist. Didthat for four years until I got
my secondary MOS. So I'massuming there's a lot of
military people that watch thispodcast. So MOS military
occupational specialty. After myfirst enlistment, I got a
secondary MOS, which was adatabase analyst.
(04:45):
So I analyze basically all thedefects that came off planes
when they landed and you know, Iprovided mission capability
rates to the squadrons and justvery analytical job. I did that
for 14 years, deployment wise. Idid Iraq, Afghanistan, it
actually eight deployments.
While I was in I did eight, ufive UDPS. And three combat
(05:06):
deployments.
And it was a it takes a toll, asyou know, from when you when you
deploy, it takes a toll onfamily, it takes a toll on you
mentally. And I just got anappointment in the Marine Corps,
which I don't knock it it justit was time for me to take the
next step, close that book,close a chapter in that book and
(05:26):
start renewing and writing thenext chapter. But yeah, you
know, I've served my time. And,you know, I've had since the
Marine Corps is different. Soobviously, we you know, we have
a lot of different branches.
And a lot of people say,Actually, we met the guy that
created a CRT was at the crownsready to eat. Frank. Yeah,
Frank. But um, you know, weMarines are very tight knit
(05:49):
group of, of individuals. That'swhy they're called The Few The
Proud.
And, you know, I actuallyyesterday, I got a phone call
for one of my buddies who, youknow, went to go meet his maker,
and those are the type of thingsthat that are tight with
Marines, and we kind of stay intouch.
So we're going to take care ofhim at the end of the month. But
(06:10):
um, yeah, that was my time inthe Marine Corps. I don't regret
a day of it. I got to see a lotof the world and it's actually
put me in the position now to dowhat I'm doing, which is
impacting our community andusing those pillars of success
that I came to, were instilledfrom from the Marine Corps and
having that honor, courage,commitment, and instilling that
(06:33):
noun Are you.
KP (06:36):
Yeah, no doubt about it. I agree, like military service in
itself is a great transition. Ifyou're not going to be going to
college right after high school,or if you are, if you somehow
incorporate the reserves or theNational Guard into that next
step. I think that that onlyenhances your overall leadership
abilities.
I know a lot of folks that leavehigh school that go straight
(06:57):
into college, and they don'tserve in the military. Well, the
thing about the military that'sso great, in my opinion, is the
fact that they put you out frontearly. I mean, I was a I was
enlisted in the National Guard,then I went active duty as an
officer. So at 23 years old, Ifound myself in Iraq in charge
of a platoon. How many 23 yearolds can say that right? So
Chris Torres (07:19):
It makes you grow up fast.
KP (07:21):
Oh, yes, you grew up really fast, really fast. And so I'm
sure that had a lot to do withyour overall professional
development. It sounded like youwere a pretty big high school
star. What state was that in?
Chris Torres (07:33):
New Jersey, North Bergen New Jersey, North Bergen
Bruins. So I was running backthere was good times. Man, you
guys, I still stay in contactwith some of those guys that I
played football with back in theday.
As a matter of fact, one ofthem's my best friend. I was the
best man at his wedding. He wenton and played at a Brian
University, we have a coupleguys that made it the one. So I
(07:54):
mean, it's a football sport ingeneral, not just football. But
sport in general is a very,almost military like ideal, you
know, organization. So
KP (08:08):
yeah, no doubt, I tell you what, in between the discipline
that it takes for a collegiateathlete to go to practice,
maintain grades, maintain timemanagement, all those things, as
well as like the military, it's,at the end of the day, I think
it's even more impressive to bea collegiate athlete, or more
impressive to be in the militarywhile going to college, because
(08:31):
I think there's a whole notherside to professional
development, that that alsoenhances as well.
And you know that all this ledyou to eventually start your
nonprofit, which is future starssports clinic. And so would you
mind talking to us about whatthat's all about?
Chris Torres (08:46):
Man, this thing is a great program. So if you just
started SPORTS CLINIC incepted.
In 2017, I had just got back, Iwas actually a contractor now.
So I contract for specialoperations. And I just got back
from Africa.
And unfortunately, one of theNavy SEALs that were on our
(09:07):
operations that passed on that,that operation that we were
supporting. And it was a very,it was very close to home. So at
that point, I say, You knowwhat? I had just had my son. My
son is a six year old, he's sixnow his first name is Captain.
There's a military aspect again,right? And I just said, You know
what, I gotta I gotta come backhome.
(09:28):
So I ended up leaving that joband working for mission
planning, supporting pentagonand program managers and stuff.
And at that time, until my wifewas like, hey, I want to give
back to the community. I want tostart coaching football. I want
to get back to my roots. And Iwent to the city here in Fort
Walton Beach, Florida. And Iasked if they needed any
volunteers to coach and whatended up happening was, they did
(09:49):
and I showed up and when Ishowed up, the head coach I was
supposed to be coaching underdidn't show up.
So I became the head coach, andwhat I took over a team before
Walton B Each Bulldogs, which ifI moved my camera, you'd be able
to see on my on my on my wallbehind me. That team was oh, and
eight, the year prior me beingthere. And this is kids that are
eight to 10 years old. So we dida draft, they do a draft down
(10:13):
here. So they get all the kidsand we get to all the coaches
get to run drills with them. Andthen they take you into coaches
go in a room.
And we basically pick from youknow, what are the worst worst
record last year, you get thefirst pick, you know, just like
normal drafts. And obviously, wehad the worst record because we
were oh eight. And we draft itup. And at the end of that
season, we were eight and oh,and we were into the
(10:34):
championship. And that mean,that's just astronomical
changes. And the kid the kidsthat are on our team, there was
19 of them. And I reason I knowthat is because I told every
single one of them, you're notgoing to quit. And we start with
19, we end with 19.
And how I know that because I'ma big Eagles fan. And I have a
jersey that's number 19 that thekids got me at the end of the
(10:55):
season. So fly Eagles fly over aSuper Bowl in two weeks. But um,
we went into the championship ondefeated and we lost. And
obviously the kids were upset.
But you know, we've made extremestrides for the better.
But here's where the kicker was.
And this is what I've set thefuture stars football clinic at
the time. The kids weren'tupset, because they lost they
(11:16):
were upset because the thefriendship and the family
environment that I created withthem was going to go away
because none of these kids wentto the same elementary schools.
There's so many elementaryschools on here. So now that the
season was over, they're notgoing to see them anymore. And
when I seen that and realizethat, I looked at my coaches and
I said we need to do this on abigger scale.
(11:37):
And at that point, future starsfootball clinic was incepted.
And what it did was football, wewould do football, leading up to
football starting or signing upfor the season. But what we will
do is teach the fundamentals,how to play the game in a
noncontact non competitiveenvironment, basically, creating
(11:59):
a safe environment. So when theyput a helmet on and their front
of a coach, they have somewhatof an idea what's going on,
which does two things, it makesthe game safer. And it makes the
game more strategic for thecoach that's getting these kids,
instead of having to teach themfrom scratch, they have an idea.
And that's what started thisprogram. But but we want it to
be as a step different from yournormal clinic. We took these
(12:26):
kids and teach them thefundamentals of the sport over
five Saturdays in a row forfree, because we get the
community to back the program.
And out of those five Saturdaysone of those Saturdays has
nothing to do with football.
And these are kids that are agessix to 13. And what we do is we
take them when we do a communityservice event with those kids.
So I think our first year we dida food drive.
(12:46):
The second year, we did a beachcleanup, and last year, which
was our fifth year, we actuallyhad 350 kids on the beach
planning CEOs to preserve ourbeaches down here in Florida
250,000 CEOs got planted lastyear by our program. So it's it
that's that's what delineates usfrom your normal conditioning
and sports and drills clinic. So
KP (13:08):
yeah, it's absolutely amazing. So how many kids today
do you currently have tocurrently serve?
Chris Torres (13:14):
All right, so she's from 2017, we had 68, kids
show up 2018 was 110 2019 was150 2020 was 250 2021 was 250.
Again, right around the same.
And last year, we had 350. Sowe've impacted a lot of kids.
KP (13:36):
Wow, growing up. And so that family environment that you
created, would you say that it'svery similar to sort of the
environment that you experiencedwhile you were in the Marine
Corps while you were stationedin certain places or maybe even
deployed?
Chris Torres (13:50):
For sure. I mean, a lot of those basic
fundamentals and basic idealsthat the Marine Corps instilled
in me, we're just instilling itat a lower level with these
kids. And what we're doing isteaching them those, those five
pillars of success that weimplement over those five weeks,
which is practice, teamwork,focus, discipline, and respect.
(14:12):
Without without those, I mean,that has a lot to do with sport,
but it has to do a lot withlife.
And if you follow those at thispivotal age six to 13 You're
going to be a future star,whatever you choose to be that
no pun intended. That's why thename of the program is called
future stars.
And I think like I said it wasfuture stars football clinic,
we've just recently changed thename to future Star Sports
(14:34):
Clinic. And what why we did thatwas because we're going to now
implement for more sports overthe next two to three years,
which will allow us to impactfour times as many youths in our
community and basically youknow, we want it we want to do
this as a whole because societyright now in both me and you
know, it's not where I believeit should be you know, there's a
(14:58):
lot of selfishness there's a lotof He is not giving back.
And this is, this is the waythat I believe I've been given a
platform to impact our youth. Sowe can see change in the future.
Again, there's that word future.
KP (15:13):
I agree with you 1,000% On that there's a lot of adults
today that have gone throughthat gone through a lot overcome
obstacles have experience, butare failing to reach back and
share those lessons learned. Andit's simple mentoring. And it's
so funny how whenever I helpsomeone, a young adult, navigate
(15:36):
into what career field they wantto get into how other adults
around me are kind of looking atme like why like, Why do you
care? Like, why are you becauseI get very, very passionate
about it, because I do care.
Like, I know what it's like, notunderstanding not knowing not
having any guidance at all, whenyou're walking into something or
going into something, whether itwas, you know, sort of getting
(15:57):
into the military or whether itwas becoming an officer
deploying, a lot of times, Idon't know about you, but I
found myself walking into a darkroom and not having anyone
really to talk to you or askquestions that would give me the
time or day and then those timeswhen I did have help or a
mentor, it was really refreshingto make an informed decision.
(16:19):
So at the end of the day, Ireally think that you're
building, you are buildingfuture stars and future future
leaders. And I find it funny howsometimes, how an unfortunate
event like a coach not showingup sort of evolves into an
opportunity like this into nowyou're 300 Kids strong, and
(16:40):
you're changing lives.
For so many families out there,you know, and, you know, I
understand that yourorganization works specifically
with the Florida, FloridaPanhandle, right. And and you
you know, you've expanded to,you know, a total of five sports
now. Talk about those sports,and whether or not you plan on
(17:00):
expanding the geographicallocations as well.
Chris Torres (17:04):
Oh, perfect. Yeah, no problem. So, again, you know,
it is a mentorship program wherewe're just using sport as a as a
vehicle to mentor these kids. Soa lot of our volunteers that are
part of this program, they'reactive duty, veterans, special
operators, coaches, parents, soyou know, we it's a full circle
(17:24):
program, we get the militaryinvolved, as well, as matter of
fact, I think the seven SpecialOperations Group is going to be
involved heavily with our clinicthis April. And the reason I
wanted to involve them wasbecause I actually connected
with Ruben Ayala from triplenickel that was out at a MC when
we were out there
Unknown (17:44):
as well. Really well.
They're actually printing ourshirts this year. Yeah, that's
awesome. Yeah,
Chris Torres (17:51):
they're printing assurance. Because triple nickel
right? Yeah, you got five.
There's a synergistic numberagain, oh, five, five pillars,
five clinics. You know, 555,triple nickel, I wore number
five, when I played football, Igrew up on Fifth Street, you
know? So and then now like toanswer that question, we are
evolving into five sports. Sowe're going to slow play that
(18:11):
we're going to, basicallyfootball is what we stood up for
the past five years, there's anumber five again. But we're
gonna, at the end of this year,when implemented probably
baseball and soccer.
And we're going to do a one dayclinic instead of five to kind
of stand it up, find the rightperson to stand it up. And then
that way, at the end of thisyear, we will we've had three
(18:32):
different sports that we've ran.
Then next year, we're going torun two more probably either
Basketball, basketball, and onemore, we don't know what the
sport is going to be. Right nowat this point, we're going to
see what interest comes from thecommunity.
And then we'll stand up that oneas well with a one day pilot
clinic. So at the end of 2024,we've had already ran five
(18:53):
different sports. When we gointo 2025, those four new sports
went to run for three days. Thatwill we have a fundamental
clinic, a conditioning clinic,and then a community service
clinic, because we've got tomake sure that we implement that
because that's what standsapart. And then we'll make sure
we do three and then I say bythe end of 2025, we're going to
(19:14):
be running future Star SportsClinic 25 weeks out of the year.
And when that's done thebaselines there, the
architecture is there, where nowwe have a headquarters here down
in Fort Walton Beach and we canpick this program out and take
it to communities outside ofFlorida that need future Star
Sports claim to impact theircommunity as well.
(19:34):
So, that is the that is themanifestation that is the idea
is just getting there requires Iknow you've heard the phrase, it
takes a village. So we got a wedon't want these kids to pay $1
for this program. So you know,we depend on the community,
business sponsors and everybodyto just support this program so
(19:56):
we can continue growing andcontinue impacting communities.
You here and abroad.
KP (20:02):
I'll tell you what man things like the military
influencer conference did anoutstanding job as far as
connecting so many folks. Youmentioned triple nickel. And you
mentioned Rubin, and ChrisMcPhee, that whole group in
itself is an outstanding group.
And then earlier you mentionedFrank Frank man TAO. And the
thing that I love about this manis like, things are coming in
(20:23):
circles. And it's like, youknow, they're helping you out,
you're also supporting them. AndI think that was the best thing
about the military influencerconference that that took place.
And it's, I think it'sabsolutely amazing that they're
going to be part of your journeyto grow, and that you have such
big aspirations going forward.
And things have grown, literallyfrom 19, kids to over 300 Kids,
(20:47):
now, you're doing a lot, andyou're getting a lot done, and
you're changing a lot of lives,man, and I gotta give you a mad
praise for that. Because I lovementoring, I love trying to get
folks that are behind me comingup my path, just to make sure
they don't have to have the sameobstacles that I had.
So they can be even better thanme. And there's nothing better
(21:08):
than seeing that over time,watching young adults evolve
into a better professional, thenI was making better decisions
than I did. I think that's whatfuels me more than anything
else. And during your time inthe Marine Corps, you know, Can
Can you talk about how your timeand service played into your
entire decision to do thisnonprofit and reach back to
(21:32):
start future stars?
Chris Torres (21:35):
So that my time and service, you know, when I
when I was promoted to when Igot to the staff NCO ranks, you
know, it gets political. And Imean, you know, you're an
officer, you know, they say, yougot the enlisted side, and then
you got the dark side, you know,I mean, yes, yes.
You can, I noticed that when Iwas in and when I got promoted
(21:57):
and realized, you know, I'm, I'mgonna give myself a two year
reenlistment, and let me seewhat this really looks like. And
I think within the military aswell, we need some mentoring, as
well.
And I think some people got,they get to a level of, of time
and grade or even just rank andthey forget that it's about the
(22:19):
institution, it's about theunit, you know. And when you
forget that, you you've kind ofthrown away a lot of the basic
information or basic basicvalues that you got when you
went to bootcamp. So when I seenthat, and I got out, that's one
(22:41):
of the main reasons why I gotout. But again, it's just it was
just a, it was a decision, Ithink I needed to make a genuine
retire.
So like I'm out on my own,because I felt it was the right
decision make at the time. Andanyway, it was I don't regret
it, they have it. But it alsoallowed me to realize it's about
the unit, it's not about me, andactually had a conversation with
(23:03):
Colonel Dwyer, who is the CEO ofthe seventh Special Operations
Group. And, man, if you ever geta chance to talk to any special
operators, they're differentgroup of human beings.
And you know, I got to talk tohim to get his guys to come and
volunteer. But Colonel Dwyer,you know, in 2007, he was hit
with RPG, he's missing an arm,he's missing an eye. And that's
one of the things he did tellme, it stuck deep with me,
(23:28):
because, believe it or not, hepulled his eye out in the
conference room, and he goes,Hey, I want to tell you
something, because what you'redoing is amazing. But my, if you
look at it, I have employment,and he had the seventh Special
Forces Group emblem in his eye.
And he goes, he told me thewhole story. And I said, you
know, I appreciate him have toshare that with me. That's,
(23:48):
that's, you know, that's nearand dear to somebody's heart.
And I appreciate that. But whathe said after that, because I
did it for a specific reason Iput that emblem there.
So when I wake up in themorning, and I look myself in
the in the in the face, and lookmyself in the mirror, and I see
that emblem and reminds me it'snot about me, it's about the
unit.
And for everything he's gonethrough and what's going on. And
(24:10):
you know, it's just to hearsomebody as humble as that, that
that just drives people like meto do this even more to impact
you to impact and make changefor the future. Because if you
really think about it, what arewe really doing everybody has a
story and our story should andalways hope and inspire other
(24:31):
people to be better versions ofthemselves.
KP (24:34):
was definitely man when you said that about Colonel Dwyer
that kind of gave me goosebumps
Chris Torres (24:41):
you should have seen how I was driving home from
from that from thatconversation.
KP (24:47):
That's deep man. Like honestly, that's, that's that's
pure. That's pure compassion manand just being loyal to
something more than just money.
You know? And that's, that'ssomething the world is our
society today is so surroundedby the importance of money, and
plenty of materialistic money,materialistic stuff, and we
(25:09):
forget about the drive, to takecare of people and to help
people out, you know, and it'sgreat to connect with folks like
you, Chris, because at the endof the day, you know, you're
doing you're doing outstandingwork for so many families out
there, man.
And I'm not just when I wasreading your your website and
and taking a look at some of thevideos and stuff on there. And
you're not just involved inholding camps. But for my
(25:32):
understanding, you're alsoinvolved with programs to help
kids pay for cleats. You're alsoinvolved with helping kids go to
actual college football camps aswell. I mean, you're doing so
many things out there. Can youtalk to us a little bit about
that as well?
Chris Torres (25:45):
Hey, yeah, I'm glad you brought it up. So the
cleats thing that actually itwas my is not really mine. So we
had a participant that came intomy program. He was a participant
when he was 10.
And he was there for threeyears. And now he's a junior in
high school, Anthony Gassaway.
And now he's a volunteer for theprogram. So you know, he's, he's
(26:06):
like, getting promoted. Well,and 20 I think last two years
ago, was his freshman year inhigh school. And I didn't know
but his mom had told me andsaid, hey, you know, Anthony
didn't play football asfreshmen. I was like, why he had
an ACL tear.
I didn't know I normally followup so bad on me. I was following
(26:28):
my kids. So I said, Oh, man,that sucks. How's uh How's his
therapy going? How was surgeryas a coach was the first thing
your eyes and said everything'sfine.
He's from Nevar, Florida,Michael Carter running back from
the Jetsons from Northern Nevaras well. And she told me I'm
Michael has been texting him andwelcome to the process. I text
Mike automatically and Mike,this is a good K man, thank you
(26:50):
for you know, it's not so oftenas a high school athlete, you
have NFL player telling you hey,man, you're gonna get through
it, you know, I mean.
And so, long story short, at theend of our fourth annual
futuresource football clinic, myVP, also the guy who wrote me
and said this program who was acoach with the Bulldogs, when we
did the inception his program.
(27:12):
He wanted to do a fishing tripto commemorate, you know, our
fourth annual football clinicand also was my first year
coaching middle school footballand we had a championship run
and he goes, Hey, we're going tocommemorate you winning your
first championship and middleschool kind of Jinx because we
lost in the first round of theplayoffs. But um, he's like,
we're gonna go catch tuna. Wewant to catch a big fish. That's
(27:33):
okay. I said planet.
And we'll just make it happen.
Just let me know how much so Ithink that was in June when he
called me when he was planningit. And you know, when you say
circles, because you said, youknow, everything comes back and
comes around is full circle. Ihave my dad, who's also the
veteran, he has his Air Forceguy that comes and hangs out in
the neighborhood.
(27:54):
They talk politics and all thatstuff. So I went to tell him
about this fishing trip, I wentto the house and he goes, Hey, I
got this one fishing charter.
They're called all in or outand, and he gave me the card.
And I said, I think my buddyalready planned it. But I hold
on to it and see what's up. AndI let it be my buddy calls me a
month later, my VPN says, Hey,Coach, it's all it's all planned
out. It's done.
(28:16):
We need one more person to go onthis trip. And you know what the
only person I was able to thinkabout was Anthony. So I say, you
know, I got the perfect kid,man. We're going to bring
Anthony I'm going to pay for histrip that way. It's an
opportunity. You know, we'regoing to a tow bar fishing trip
and a catch tuna. And he waslike, Cool. Let's do it. So I
takes Anthony and his mom's Hey,opportunity and fishing trip. 12
(28:37):
hours you want to go? They said,Yeah.
A month after that. I, you know,I reached in my wallet. I saw
that our in Charter BusinessCard. I went on a limb I took a
picture of since my VPS said,Hey, I don't know how deep you
are with this presentation witha charter that you book but call
these guys I heard they're verygood. Here's your first
(28:58):
coincidence.
When I sent him the picture. Hecalled me back and said that's
what we're going with. Wow, whowhat are the odds of that
happening? And, and this storyis going to tie into this Cleese
thing. So give me one segment. Iappreciate you. So I think a
month after that, Anthony's mommessaged me and tells me Hey,
Coach, I want to talk to youabout Anthony. And she calls me
(29:20):
says, Hey, Anthony, his brotherwas murdered last week. And not
only was he murdered, Anthonywas on the phone way with him
when it happened.
And they were playing videogames Call of Duty and then
everything just went out andnobody knew what happened. So
his brother was older. He was abig, you know, mentor for him
for football. So I said momAnthony needs this trip. I can't
(29:43):
I can't say more of it. SoOctober rolls around. We go on
the trip. So a lot of trips, sixguys, Anthony being one of them.
And I told the guys hey, if thatreel starts screaming with a
tuner if he doesn't mind, I hopeI let it let Anthony catch the
first fish, which he did. Andthose pictures are on our
website. And it was the wildthree hours and then we ended up
(30:03):
not catching any more tuna, butwe caught like 350 pounds of
fish. And Coach G my VP waslike, Hey, we're supposed to
catch tuna.
Coach, I'm kind of pissed. Wepay good money for this and say,
Man, it's not about you is aboutAnthony is about this kid has
been the experience. And on ourway back from the trip. Anthony
was like, I got a chance tomentor him. But I hear koji
(30:26):
tolko the deckhand and thedeckhand is 18 Rokinon Tyler,
and they're talking about thisfish that coach Geez, dad caught
in shoot, I forget. But it wasthe biggest King Mac whatever
coming destined was 65 pounds.
And come to find out. We were onthe same boat. That coach G dad
(30:46):
caught that 60 pounds 65 poundmacro and because his dad passed
away from COVID, the year prior.
So I looked over his you see,you're trying to be selfish and
just an opportunity of closurewith your dad. Now how does this
tie into this?
The cleats. There's a foundationin enterprise Alabama called the
remember my Cal foundation. Imet them through one of my
(31:08):
sponsors, I once my sponsors,open house, and I didn't talk to
anybody I've set, Mike andMichelle Smith. I didn't know
what they were about. But I toldthem Anthony story, and they got
very quiet. And he goes, we wantto support what you do. We give
kids cleats and this and theother. So he gives me his card.
And I didn't know anything abouthis foundation. And he calls me
the Wednesday after that andsays, Hey, Coach Torres, it's
(31:29):
Mike Smith, I met you at CJsigns and designs. And he goes
me and my wife, we heard yourstory and they hit a nerve. And
the nerve hit was because theirson was murdered the day before
Thanksgiving. That same year. Soit was it's the stories aligned.
And so basically goes, Hey,Coach, I want to you know, help
you out.
I want to give cleats to kids aswell. So we have 350 kids, I
(31:52):
don't know if you can do that.
But I think we should do this.
How about I recommend you starta scholarship. And we call it
the remember Michael scholarshipin partnership with future Star
Sports Clinic. And what we'll dois we'll give that to an
outstanding student athlete thatcomes in volunteers. Needless to
say, Who do you think our firstnominee was? Man? Exactly. It
(32:12):
was Anthony.
And we and it was a $250scholarship, you know, nothing
too crazy. But we presented itto him in front of all the kids.
And you know, Anthony's mom wentto the car they had their
moment. And obviously it'semotional moment is still fresh.
I get a phone call from Anthony.
And Anthony says, Hey, Coach, Iwant to thank you for this a 50
year old kid. Coach, I want tothank you for nominating me for
this scholarship. And the reasonI did so you know, my coach's
(32:36):
name doesn't get forgotteneither. Because future stars
isn't going anywhere. So thatpartnership will always be
there. But Anthony said, Hey, meand my family pretty well off
our $50 I want to add it to the250.
And Coach, I want you to help mefigure out how I can give kids
cleats. So he started cleats forstars Anthony did, and I created
(32:57):
the the logo for him, we put iton the website. So he didn't
have to start a nonprofit thatwe that we have falls in with
what we're doing. He said wecall it police resource because
I wanted to I want people toknow where where it incepted
from it and set different futurestars.
And now I mean, he's already,you know, he's a 615, six year
old kid, you know, and weempowered him with doing that to
(33:19):
remove the negativity that wascurrently in his life and
provide positivity to show himand teach them how to give back
how to change people's lives.
And you know, his life itselfwas impacted.
And, you know, that just showsyou the program is working.
Because nobody asked Anthony todo that. He did that on his own.
So that's where at least forstars came from. I know it was a
(33:41):
little long winded, but it's astory that people need to hear.
KP (33:45):
It makes sense, because I was looking at the website and I
see McHale Foundation, and I seeyour first nominee. And it ties
everything in together. And itmakes sense now like who this
person is why it's so why it'sso memorable and important for
him to be the first the firstnominee and the first recipient
(34:05):
of this. So how old is he? No.
Chris Torres (34:08):
He's 15.
KP (34:10):
Wow.
Yeah, amazing. Amazing. 15 yearsold, and it's already running a
and
Chris Torres (34:17):
as soon as we started his campaign, he started
his campaign he raised $3,000 in24 hours.
KP (34:23):
Wow. Absolutely amazing.
I'll make sure that I put thatin the show notes for this
podcast.
Chris Torres (34:31):
We've already started giving clean up the kids
and everything. So cleaningequipment is as simple as I'm
going to the site and requestingit. I go to Anthony and he makes
the decision and we make thepurchase and get into the kids
that need it. Yeah,
KP (34:43):
there's so many branches involved with your nonprofit
like cleats, cleats for stars.
And then you also have the otherprogram where you're paying for
the students or I'm sorry, theathletes to go to college like
real college football camps aswell. Right
Chris Torres (35:00):
Yes, sir, those are all our student athletes
that come from the localcommunity, high schools, they're
affording their time asvolunteers, whatever residual
funding we have leftover forthat year. If we have, if we
have the funding, we take themand we take them to the Nick
Saban, Alabama, of footballcamp, when we take them to any
campus, local, you know, allthose poor kids and we took last
(35:23):
year for sophomores in highschool, these are opportunities
that they probably would havenever seen.
But again, you know, all that issolely dependent on the
community and people donatingand sponsoring this program,
because at the end of the year,we expend all that funding. And
then we do it all over again,it's a rinse and repeat process.
(35:44):
So currently, we are in theworks of getting grant level
sponsorship, which will kind ofremove the financial burden.
So we can focus solely on makingfuture stars what it's supposed
to be your future Star SportsClinic was supposed to be and
not have any financial concernand just impact live. So I mean,
(36:05):
it brings it it brings a smileand a gleam. So I just knowing
that that's going to comebecause this program is just
that genuine.
KP (36:13):
Yeah. And just to underline again, future stars is a program
that charges zero to theathletes that are getting
involved with it. $0.
So I mean, there's really noexcuses. I mean, especially in a
world like today, I had a buddyof mine whose son is going to be
graduating this year as a seniorrewind back to four years ago,
(36:33):
as he was going into into highschool, we would go to the gym
and workout and I was talking tohis son about the importance of
surrounding yourself withscholar athletes. You know, I
was telling him, hey, if youhang out with five idiots that
makes you the sixth idiot.
So I said, it's really importantas you go into high school to
hang out with scholar athletes.
And I said, you know, because myown personal experience, I
played football, wrestled rantrack in high school. And I was
(36:56):
like wrestling was probably eventhough I love football.
Wrestling, for me was probablyone of the most humbling sports
that I ever did. And I told him,I said, if you're not going to
play football, because he's alittle undersized, I say you
need to consider getting intowrestling.
Because so much adversity, justyou and somebody else on the
(37:16):
mat. There's really no one elseto blame but yourself if you win
or lose. And anyways, this kidhad his own intestinal fortitude
to freshman year, startwrestling. And here we are. Four
years later, he literally hisentire team just won their
conference here in LA. And he'sjust he just an amazing, amazing
young man.
(37:37):
And, you know, it's sports to meis so important. And so I'm, I'm
so glad that I actually got achance to talk to you today. And
you mentioned Michael Carterearlier, being one of the
athletes that supports theprogram. Would you mind talking
about some of the otherprofessional athletes out there
as well, and maybe some of themajor sponsors that you've had
to support this program?
Awesome. Yeah,
Chris Torres (37:58):
for sure. So I was you know, we operate in in
April, every Saturday in April.
So at the end of every clinic,we have a guest speaker, whether
it's NFL player, whether it's amotivational speaker, whether
it's you know, just someonewho's going to uplift and kind
of maybe turn a light bulb on tosome of the teenagers are just
some of the youth that we havein the program.
(38:21):
You can see some of thesepictures behind me so we have
Robert Davis, he played for theEagles you got to know the eagle
to kill spikes down there. Sothere's a lot of pictures that
are actually here behind me.
These are all athletes who havecome to the clinic or that I
know personally who support whatwe do. And you know we want to
get more athletes to come downto Florida destin areas
(38:42):
beautiful area and you know,come down a few stars football
clinic come down to visit oursports clinic while we do
baseball, soccer, you know, wewant you to come down.
Jared Johnson is another one heplayed for the Ravens alongside
Ray Lewis he he's one of oursponsors, who runs black rifle
coffee up here in Niceville.
Florida was in Florida Power andLight just became a sponsor. We
(39:03):
have I can go sponsor why somany, because our donation
levels so low. I look at it as Ithink right now we have about 65
local and national sponsors. Andthat's a lot of it's some of it
could be unkind, some of it ismonetary.
But I look at it as we keep itlow, because I want sponsorship
(39:27):
in quantity. Because myself myboard and my team we provide the
quality on the field. And ittakes like I said earlier it
takes a village so if this issomething you believe in, and
you believe in investing in ouryouth, you believe in sport, any
type of sport.
Look at what we're doing. Lookat what we're going to bring to
(39:49):
a city near you support it,donate it, you know, in 10 $5 It
doesn't have to be a lot butit's going to make a difference
and we've done so much with solittle for the past six years,
it's time to make the sky thelimit. And that's where we need
to really get behind. So ifyou're watching this and a
fellow players, if you know NFLplayers, put them in touch with
(40:11):
us, put them on our website nowand check stuff out. But that's
really what it boils down to isbringing awareness to a program
that is going to changecommunities in the future.
KP (40:25):
And no doubt about it. If you are someone that's listening
out there, and you haveconnections with pro athletes
that can even just show supportfor this in any way, whether it
be on social media or in person,please check out the website,
it'll be down in thedescription.
If you're watching this onYouTube, check the description
out. If you're on audio andaudio platform, check out the
(40:45):
show notes down there. I willlink the main website as well as
coach Chris's Instagram andFacebook. But if anyone out
there is interested inconnecting with you, coach
besides Instagram, Facebook, andthe website, which has your
email address and phone numberon there, What's are you on any
(41:06):
other platforms not mentioned?
Chris Torres (41:09):
I'm on LinkedIn.
But all of that's on thewebsite, you scroll down to the
bottom says contact us you haveour our LinkedIn or YouTube or
Facebook or Instagram. There's,there's no reason not to get in
contact with us. I want to hearfrom you. I want to talk to you.
I want to inspire you.
And hopefully you know when it'stime to move this to other
(41:29):
geographical areas of the UnitedStates, we find somebody that
has the passion that I do thatwants to give back and let's
collaborate let's let's let'slink up and let's make this
happen. Because it's not too farwhen you just started coming to
the city near you.
KP (41:44):
Yeah, if you have a love for sports, and you have a passion
for reaching back and helpingout others, and seeing the
fruits of your labor, I mean,that's the biggest thing for me
is actually watching youngadults grow into professionals
is what energizes me and getsme, you know, going and gets me
fueled.
So my hat's off to you for doingsuch a great creating such a
(42:05):
great organization doing such agreat job. Now, before we end
the episode today, coach, do youhave any advice for folks out
there in the military community?
Maybe someone that's thinkingabout starting a nonprofit
themselves? Or someone thatmight be interested in taking
that step forward, but mighthave some reservations about it?
Chris Torres (42:29):
I sure do. And I'm sure you can talk on this too,
once I say it. So if you areventuring on, you know become an
entrepreneur, or becoming youknow, running your own nonprofit
have something that you believein. It's like we were in Vegas,
right? Was Vegas known for it'sknown for betting?
No, you go out there, you betyou don't play some crabs play
(42:52):
blackjack and put you taking achance. Right? If you believe in
what it is, that you're wantingto do, bet on yourself. Take the
risk and bet on yourself. Youknow what I'm telling you that
and I'm, I'm looking directly atyou if you're listening, bet on
yourself. Because if you'regonna bet on yourself, you can't
lose, you're not going to lose.
If you bet on yourself, just goahead and go do it. And it's
(43:14):
going to be tough.
So it's not hard. I mean, it'snot easy. If it was easy,
everyone would be doing it, Ican tell you right now, I'm
still not where we need to be.
But it's all part of theprocess. And you have to go
through that process, we got togrind to get where it needs to
be. None of these, none ofpeople that have been
successful, are successful ontheir own. So you got to make
sure that you, you know, yougrab just like you said earlier,
(43:37):
you know, surround yourself withscholar athletes.
One thing that my dad alwaystold me, tell me who you hang
with, I'll tell you who you are.
So, look at your surroundings,make sure you're on the right
people, and take whatever youbelieve in, and go full force
and bet on yourself. Because ifyou're going to do that you're
going to be successful. And theone thing like our slogan for
(43:57):
future stars is, if we believewe can, then we will, all it
takes is one person to believein you. The rest is up to you.
KP (44:07):
That's great advice. And that's true. Sounds like you're
really creating a great familydown there with these kids. With
those 19 that you started with,you know, and to the 300 that
you have today, you keep doingthe great job that you do. And
Coach, I really appreciate yougiving us the opportunity to get
to know more about yourorganization.
(44:28):
And for anyone out therelistening. Please check out the
website. You know if you cansupport this in some way, shape
or form, even if it's throughsharing through social media,
follow him on Instagram, followhim on Facebook, share some of
the stories that he's got goingon. Because at the end of the
day, this is this is our future.
This is tomorrow's generationcoming up and we need to build
leaders. Our society todaycertainly needs it more than
(44:50):
more than ever. So Coach, thankyou so much for joining us on
the morning formation. I reallyappreciate it
Chris Torres (44:58):
Sacra Fidelis
KP (45:01):
Hey folks, and for everyone else out there, please check out
the website, check him out onsocial media. And as always, I
want you to stay tuned, stayfocused, and stay motivated.
Warriors fallout. You've beenlistening to the morning
formation podcast. I hope youfound today's materials helpful
(45:22):
and of value to your currentsituation.
You can connect with me onInstagram at the underscore
morning underscore formationunderscore podcast. Or you can
connect with me via email at theformation podcaster@gmail.com.
(45:43):
Also, I would like to thank mypartners at act no education for
their support, authenticity,community and trusted is what
you can expect from all membersof the Act now education team.
You can link up with them todayand learn about some new free
educational resources on theirFacebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or
(46:06):
at their website act noweducation.com whether today's
show took you back to anhistoric time or helped you
think about tomorrow. Thank youfor tuning in. And I look
forward to seeing you again.
Stay safe and stay motivated.
Warriors Fallout
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Therapy Gecko
An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.