DURHAM, N.C. — On Fred Evan’s team, discipline is the number one rule on the field.

“Discipline is number one out here, you start with discipline, that’s when the wins will come,” said Evans, coach of the Bull City Bulldogs.

Bull City Bulldogs is a youth football team. It's part of the Bull City Athletic Association that teaches self respect, leadership and discipline in kids age 6 to 14 in Durham.

The nonprofit, volunteer organization has a football, basketball, and cheerleading program.

“I’ve seen tremendous strides in kids that have been here since day one. We have parents who tell us they are getting better grades, we check up on them at the schools. If you mess up at home, your punishment comes out here nine times out of ten,” said Evans.

Although statistics show crime reports are down from a year ago, it remains a major problem in Durham. Data from the Durham Police Department reported 118 violent crimes in July alone, which is down 11% from July 2020.

“So many of these kids see that type of activity happen so much that it’s normal to them. We try to give them positive role models, especially Black role models. A role model shouldn’t be someone in the street who is not trying to help you become a better person,” said Evans.

Arrie Clendennding, 10, is a first-year player for the Bulldogs. Last summer, Clendennding was attending a barbecue at his grandmother’s home in Durham when he was shot in the leg during a drive-by shooting.

Clendenning’s grandmother, Barbara Myers, recalls that night as an act of senseless violence.

“It’s hard as a young Black guy that’s growing up in Durham,” Myers said.

Myers says she is glad her grandson has a program he can go to as a safe haven.

“It bothers me because there is a lot of violence in Durham. I try to teach my kids and grandkids to stay away from that and not get involved in the gangs,” Myers said.

Myers says Clendennding loves playing football and hopes he can set an example for his younger brother to also play.

Bryelle Martin, 9, is Clendenning’s teammate. Martin has been on the team for four seasons and was the first female to join the program, giving her the title "First Lady" of the Bulldogs.

Bull City Bulldogs second practice of the 2021 season

Martin says being a girl on a male-dominant team does not make her different.

“We are all just people,” said Martin.

Martin joined the team at just 5 years old along with her older brother. Since joining, she won a spelling bee championship and also began playing basketball and track.

Martin says playing football allows her to get any anger out.

“Take everything that you’re mad about and crush it on those boys and show them how strong you are,” said Martin.

This year, Evans says there are 75 players on the team, which is more than they’ve had in previous seasons. In order to supply the players with all the necessary gear, they need help from the community. Here is how you can support the Bull City Bulldogs.

“As long as we continue to save lives and making kids feel better and think better about themselves, we are going to be around,” said Evans.