The Chester Panthers 7th Annual Banquet was a true success. The Chester Panthers Youth Empowerment and Athletic Association provides a youth football and cheerleading program to the City of Chester under the leadership of President/Director Charles K. Thompson. This year's banquet was a salutation to some of Chester's own "HOME TOWN HEROES ". These home grown individuals possess extrordinary talent , and have advanced excellently in the sport of football. In attendance was Will Hunter (Minnesota Vikings),Shaheer Mcbride (Philadelphia Eagles ), Jerome Smith (Atlanta Falcons ), Anthony Davis (Widener University ), & Ronell Williams (West Chester University ). All of these Home Town Heroes either played directly for our program or played for the program Chester Panthers derived from which was Chester Pal. The message from our guest speakers was very mutual and very clear. Anything you want to accomplish in your life is possible, no matter what your background is. These gentleman came back to give back to our young children in our community who need all the positive encouragement they can get. We were also celebrating another successful season in which 3 out of our 4 divisions made it to the championship with 2 of them seizing a Delaware County title. Chester Panthers won the Delco Football League Midget Division Championship coached by Head Coach, Anthony McClain, and his assistant coaches Shawn Atkins, Ben Loper, and Marvin Barnett. The Delco League Senior Division Champions were coached by Head Coach Tymeir Bush and his assistant coaches, Gino "Nodie" Harris, and Darrel Anderson. Both teams went undefeated this season. In fact, the Senior team has gone undefeated the past 3 season making Coach Bush the most consecutive winning Coach in Delco Football League History! The Chester Panthers have captured 7 County Titles in the past 5 consecutive seasons.
There were over 400 people in attendance this year. Among the distinguished guest were Mayor John Linder and his campaign for re-election committee. Candidates Sheridan Jones (Councilman), Jamaal Martin (Councilman), & Brittany Gray (City Controller)blessed us with there presence. Chester Police Commissioner Joe Bail was on board to lend his support. He presented the Chester Panthers with a plaque recognizing our program for instilling core values into the children of the City of Chester and also making sure our program will have adequate lighting for the up and coming season. Even Upland Borough President Ed Mitchell and Police Chief Nelson Ocasio was on hand to salute the Chester Panthers Organization for reaching out into there borough as well. Pro Golfer Earl Cooper was on hand to give autographed copies of his book to the children who achieved straight A's in school during our season.
All in all, the banquet and program was a success. Chester Panthers Youth Empowerment and Athletic Association facilitates over 300 children in our community and has an excess of 50 volunteers on hand. The Chester Panthers operates in a low income area and financially struggles each year to provide a great service to their community and reward their participants properly at the end. It's tough but these children so deserve their recognition. The Chester Panthers Youth Empowerment and Athletic Association is a 501C3 organization and is currently seeking solid sponsors to help keep its program thriving. If anyone is interested in supporting this organization, please contact Charles Thompson @ 610-905-9090
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