Are you Ready For Some Challengers Football?
Written by Cindy Donnelly | Photos provided by Challengers Football
It has been an exciting football season for players across the country at the high school and college level, and for NFL fans as well. As we look forward this month to the season climax on Super Bowl Sunday, we thought it would be fun to highlight an amazing local football program on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Challenger Football. PV Magazine spoke with the Athletic Director, Stephanie Fleck and the Volunteer Coordinator, Drew Moulton, about this unique program. 
What is Challenger Football? It has been an exciting football season for players across the country at the high school and college level, and for NFL fans as well. As we look forward this month to the season climax on Super Bowl Sunday, we thought it would be fun to highlight an amazing local football program on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Challenger Football. PV Magazine spoke with the Athletic Director, Stephanie Fleck and the Volunteer Coordinator, Drew Moulton, about this unique program. 
Challenger Football pairs players with a “buddy” volunteer who helps the player get the most out of the football skill and technique stations during each session. The program is as fun and transformative for the players as it is for the volunteers, many of which are local high school students.
“Giving back is the big idea of Challenger Football. Being able to give back to kids that have not had the same opportunities for sports that I experienced.” -Drew Moulton
How Did Challenger Football get Started? Challenger Football first launched on the Peninsula about 15 years ago. It was started by a local parent known as Mr. Walker, who saw a need for inclusive sports opportunities. With support from Bruce Humiston, the program gave children with disabilities a chance to play and belong.
Over time, however, the program was discontinued.
Then, two years ago, Drew stepped in to revive it.
As a local high school football player and Scout, Drew chose Challenger Football as his Eagle Scout Project. Inspired by his experience volunteering with Challenger Basketball, he reached out to organizers for guidance and support.
Next, Drew partnered with Mavericks Flag Football Palos Verdes. The organization agreed to sponsor the program and provide jerseys and trophies for the players. Drew also created the program structure and recruited volunteers from PVHS football, his Scout troop, and the National League of Young Men.
Anyone interested in player registration for next season should look for information to be posted to pvflagfootball.com around July 2026, and anyone with questions can reach out to [email protected] and for more information about the Challenger Program
“Giving back is the big idea of Challenger Football. Being able to give back to kids that have not had the same opportunities for sports that I experienced.” -Drew Moulton
What do Players Take Away from the Program? According to Stephanie, the players genuinely look forward to each session. More importantly, she has seen firsthand how participation helps children grow in confidence and communication.
Many players become more talkative and engaged over time. In addition, the program provides a consistent opportunity for physical activity in a supportive environment.
Stephanie’s own daughter participates in Challenger Football and loves it. As a parent, she appreciates that the program combines exercise, friendship, and fun in a way that meets her child’s needs.
What do Volunteers Take Away? Interestingly, Challenger Football often has more volunteers than players. On average, about 50 volunteers participate each season.
As a result, some players even enjoy having two buddies during a session. This speaks volumes about how rewarding the experience is for those who volunteer.
“Giving back is the big idea of Challenger Football,” Drew explains. He adds that working with the community and fellow volunteers is just as meaningful as supporting the players themselves.
Gratitude and Looking to the Future Stephanie is especially grateful for the continued support from Mavericks Flag Football Palos Verdes. She also credits Drew for rebuilding the program and ensuring its future.
Now a high school senior, Drew has recruited family members and younger students to stay involved. This effort helps ensure Challenger Football will continue for years to come.
