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"The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver had a very synergistic vision with ours. The breadth of programming, opportunity to positively impact kids on so many levels and the safe haven atmosphere for children in need were just some of the many attributes that contributed to our decision," says Galloway. "We have never looked back."

The Broncos entered into a five-year, $1.25 million partnership with the Metro Denver organization. The football team will provide the base operating budget for the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club, covering salaries, program expenses and facility maintenance. The Broncos' involvement does not end with financial support. The organization also is encouraging players and staff members to volunteer at the Club as coaches, mentors and tutors.

"We've had 25 different players stop by, some multiple times," says Rich Barrows, director at the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club. "It's helped the kids understand that these guys are real people and do more than just play football. For example, Donnie Spragan, a linebacker, spent a couple of afternoons in the Club helping kids with math homework. It turns out that he's a civil engineer, and he loves math!"

John Arigoni, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, sees this model of partnering with both private industry and local government as a new template for the organization's growth. "It's good for the partner, good for the community and great for the kids," says Arigoni.

Scoring Big in the Community

In only four months of operation, 680 young people have signed up for membership at the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club, with team players and Broncos staff stopping by on a regular basis to help kids with homework, conduct junior training camps and more. For Gold, Galloway and others at the Denver Broncos, commitment to the partnership is growing.

"Our players love every minute they spend with the kids and their support for the project continues to increase," Galloway says. "When I go to the Club, I am touched by the sense that we're doing something very important for the community's well-being."

Above the Club's front doors, a sign proclaims: "Through these doors walk future champions." For the Denver Broncos these are more than words; they are an opportunity to impact an entire generation.