‘Stepping stone’: Two Lincoln men helping to make youth football more affordable for families in need

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The 67-16 Youth Sports Foundation is creating an easier path for kids who need a little extra help.

Lincoln native Richard Harris partnered with former Husker football player Erwin Swiney, who played for Nebraska in the 1990’s before going on to play for the Green Bay Packers.

Thanks to them, families will no longer have to worry about the cost of playing football or affording equipment.

“Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of parents here in Lincoln that can afford to pay,” Harris said. “But there are a lot of parents, too, who cannot afford to pay for their kids to come out and do something good for a change.”

Harris and Swiney said they noticed a need for more affordable sports leagues, which is what sparked the idea.

Now, they’re working to give kids ages 7 to 14, whose parents might not be able to afford it, a chance to play.

And it goes far beyond just running drills.

“We both agree that football is a stepping stone,” Swiney said. “If this can help you get into college, great. If it can help you to become a better person, so be it too. This is what this program is all about; not just sports, not just football, but being an overall good person.”

With the help of sponsors and donations, they’re able to remove price tags and give kids the equipment they need to play football.

For both coaches, the mission hits close to home.

“I grew up in a single-parent household,” Harris said. “I used to see kids playing outside, playing sports, and I couldn’t afford that. That’s something me and him came together on. There’s a bunch of kids out here like that.”