The great NFL coach Vince Lombardi once said, "Football is like life -- it requires perseverance, self denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and respect for authority."
These kids are learning all those things and more.
"It taught me a lot. Like always put God first, make the right choices," said 8th grader Wallen Teo.
You're watching the start of the play-offs for the Pacific Big Boyz Football Conference, a league that combines football and religion.
Most of these teams are sponsored by Christian churches, and they pray before every game.
"A lot of the kids would be rebelling on the street if it wasn't for a program like this," said parent Ruana Teo.
Most of these kids live in low-income housing in Kalihi and Waipahu and many of them don't meet the height and weight requirements to play in Pop Warner.
This league gives them a chance to play.
"Some of the kids are a success, they are in private schools, play good in high schools all because of this league," said Big Boyz Vice President Pastor John Opeta.
The Pacific Big Boyz Football Conference started three years ago and now has more than 500 kids participating.
"They've also started to do clinics for the parents as far as college requirements and what they need to know on the athletic and academic side, to be able to get into a good college that's the ultimate goal," said Ruana Teo.
"I never really knew how to play football the right way until I came here so it taught me all the skills I needed to know," Wallen Teo said.
Skills both on the field and off the field.
The play-offs for the conference champions continue next Saturday at Keehi Lagoon Park.
For more information on the Pacific Big Boyz Football Conference http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?cmenuid=1&url=bigboyz&sid=915300561
