About Champions Ranch
Champions Ranch
A faith-based, multi-sport, multi-service, multi-disciplinary campus, serving youth and families, empowering all who visit to become lifelong Champions.
The Development
Mission & Vision: The Charlie & Tonja Ward Family Foundation is rooted in Christian principles dedicated to youth character development through sports, arts, education, and wellness. The Charlie Ward Champions Ranch, is a public 501c3 that is the vehicle for the foundation's mission. It will be an oasis for youth and communities to access opportunities, programming, and high-quality training that will nurture their body, mind, and spirit and empower them to dream, find purpose, and become lifelong Champions.
The Champions Ranch addresses the stated desire of youth and teens to have opportunities for social connection, mental health services, exercise and sports programs, and nature (Crisis Textline, 2024). It also provides access to recreational and indoor youth sports for underserved communities (locally, regionally, and nationally) who cannot afford the youth sports pay-to-play programs and activities. Charlie Ward is a trusted name regionally and nationwide as an advocate for youth character development through sports.
The “Why” Simply, it’s about the kids. Youth sports are an ever-growing expectation for any vibrant active community. "Sport Programs Are More Important Than Ever for Kids' Mental Health" (Global Sports Matters, 2023)
The “Where” The home of the Champions Ranch is a 109 Acre tract on the south side of Capital Circle between Tram Road and Woodville Highway, a location that is both in the path of growth and accessible to the communities we look forward to serving. The location boasts direct access to the highway and close proximity to the airport for visitors flying into Tallahassee for tournaments and events.
The “What” Program Offerings: Guided by a commitment to the well-being of our youth, the Ranch will be the premier youth and family campus offering a diverse range of transformative programs. The comprehensive ecosystem will include athletic and fitness training, recreational, club, and league sports, tournaments, camps, mental health counseling, education (STEM + Literacy), performing and visual arts, life skills, financial literacy and workforce training programs, wellness initiatives, physical therapy, recovery therapies, spiritual retreats, and team building. By creating a vibrant community through sports and shared experiences, the Champions Ranch seeks to promote personal growth, provide exposure, and equip youth, body, mind & spirit to impact their worlds positively.
The “How” The project leverages existing programs, providing space for them to operate in a state-of-the-art facility from day one. Collaboration with local stakeholders, community sports, arts, education, and wellness partners (as well as the programming and operational expertise of the Ward Family Foundation team) form the winning game plan. Our collaborative effort will ensure planning, development, and operational excellence for the Champions Ranch as well as maximize opportunities for all partners of the project.
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Sports | Camps | Events & Parties
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