Tony Stewart, former National Football League Player and founder of Beyond the Locker (BTL), planned the first Mini Camp for the non-profit organization in 2011. The sports camp had a different flair to it than a standard sports camp. The goal of the camp was to provide sports agility training alongside of life skill training. Tony’s hope was for the students to get something more out of the camp than a day of sports. Middle School and High School youth interacted with caring volunteers that shared life lessons that could help them reach their goals. A movement that is “More Than Sports” was born.
The idea for BTL was developed in the heart of a man that played in one of the most grueling sports and on the highest demanding playing field in the world. He is giant of a man that walks with a humble heart that has a vision for changing communities on person at a time. The NFL and his teammates recognized Tony’s commitment to being a professional in the NFL and his work in local communities around Philadelphia, Cincinnati and the SF Bay Area by nominating him for the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
The Beyond the Locker (BTL) Programs provide an educational framework to sports based life skills that can be integrated into Elementary, Middle and High School settings. The programs are also designed to enhance community youth programs. The BTL Programs take the stance that social, emotional and academic development is maximized when combined in the correct environment and delivered by adequately trained facilitators.
The Fremont Bank foundation and other companies such as Endicia, San Francisco City Impact, Wells Fargo, Alpha Graphics, Fremont Unified School District, Boys and Girls Club, Kaiser Permanente and individuals have supported and partnered with BTL to impact communities in all areas of the San Francisco Bay Area. Beyond the Locker is looking forward to even greater things.
