The mission of the Detroit City Lions Youth Club (DCL) is to provide at-risk boys and girls (ages 5 - 24) access to much needed sports programs and academic services. To that end, our organization focuses on providing both traditional and non-traditional sports such as football, soccer, basketball, baseball, chess, lacrosse, swimming, gymnastics, dance, and cheer; as well as theater, culinary arts, tutoring and mentoring services, STEAM programming, robotics, conflict resolution, leadership development, financial literacy and youth employment. Our efforts will help to cohesively develop healthy bodies and healthy minds of area youth, readying them to become physically and academically competitive in today's world. This makes Detroit City Lions one of the most diverse youth sports programs in the Metro Detroit area.
Detroit City Lions is a proud recipient of the Community Impact Incubator Award. Marygrove Campus has opened its doors to our organization which has allowed us to expand exponentially, enabling us to impact the lives of hundreds of Metro Detroit Children. Our diverse programming would not be possible without their generous support. For more information about the Community Impact Incubator, click the community impact icon.
In 2022 Detroit City Lions Youth Club was selected to participate in a National Accelerator called CREATE, which is a immersive development experience for community-centered organizations seeking to create a long-term impact on youth & communities we serve, through culturally responsive practices. Partnering with SCP, allowed DCL to expand our STEM & STEAM program reach & IMPACT. CREATE was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Columbia University in the city of New York. For more information about Strategic Community Partners and the Create Accelerator program, click the create icon.
In this 8 week course, students ages 6 to 9 will gain an introduction to engineering by learning to construct simple robots. Students ages 10 to 14 will work through lessons to learn to build small electronic components which can be programmed to perform various tasks using a computer. Students ages 14 to 18 will tackle coding as they work to identify and solve a problem within their community using an original application which will be published to the web! Each session ends with a STEAM showcase where your child will debut the projects - and discuss the methods they took to complete their projects. This is THE class for any child interested in robotics, programming, and game design.
The Detroit City Lions Soccer Program offers a competitive soccer environment for children in the Metro Detroit area. This comprehensive year-round program consists of camps, technical ball skills, tactic drills, and a focus on proper nutrition. Our Parent/Player Education workshops will incorporate parent and player interaction to assist with understanding the fundamentals, rules and laws of soccer. Our team of licensed coaches are committed to your athletes success, and we stand united in our commitment to the game of soccer while exemplifying the highest ethical standards and promoting respect, sportsmanship, teamwork, passion and a sense of community.
Sing! Dance! Act! This 10 week program which engages K-12 students mind, body and spirit begins with improv, strengthening an actors foundation with the basics while developing comedic timing and most importantly getting to know your fellow actors. Next, we'll explore musical theatre principals learning about various vocal, dance and acting techniques. While the students have fun rehearsing songs, dances and memorizing lines, they are building necessary skills such as: self-confidence, increase literacy, speech, comprehension, articulation, discipline, math skills, focus, creativity, empathy, listening, and problem solving. Ending with engaging student-led performance for the community!
Detroit City Lions is proud to offer a culinary experience like no other! This 10 week program for students ages 10 to 15 will introduce a strong foundation in the art of healthy flavor infused cooking using locally sourced products. Students will understand the importance of healthy food options, learn sanitation practices, and demonstrate kitchen safety. Students will go on a journey exploring culinary concepts such as sauces and marinades, basic baking skills, meat cutting, and plating. Our culinary journey will end with the opportunity for students to present the food they have created in an exciting food showcase where the students will share what they have learned in this course. (Registration Limited)
Detroit City Lions Youth Club is always looking for volunteers. Due to the extensive nature of our programming we
have volunteer opportunities in many areas. Our coaches are league certified and have received detailed training
in their areas of concentration. Our non-traditional sports program managers are certified experts in their
respective fields and have received numerous accommodations and recognition for their commitment to excellence.
We have opportunities available for team parents, mentors, assistant coaching staff, set construction for theater,
registration, concessions, fundraising, field maintenance, and temperature check-in.
In an effort to comply with local, state, and federal law ALL Detroit City Lions volunteers must supply a background
check and negative COVID test or proof of COVID vaccine.
We are proud of the work we do, and encourage visitors to make an appointment to stop by our offices to tour our
facilities. We have programming at multiple locations throughout the city, call the DCL Hotline for information relative to
programming by location.
DCL Hotline: 313-673-6910
Historic Marygrove 8425 W. McNichols Rd Detroit, MI 48221
Northwest Activity Center 18100 Meyers Rd Detroit, MI 48235
DEPSA 1903 Wilkins St Detroit, MI 48207
Making An Impact Through Diverse Youth Programming
