to recognize the value of high achievement in school.
“We are really big on the importance of being a student
athlete, not the other way around.”
Hudson has found that playing football is extremely
beneficial to the health and mindset of young people. It helps
them get into shape and they are encouraged to eat healthier
and get plenty of rest. Their enthusiasm for the sport grows as
they gain experience and they become more confident. When
the season ends, all they can talk about is how anxious they
are for the next season to start.
Parental involvement is strongly encouraged by Hudson
and his staff. The success that the players and cheerleaders
achieve is directly related to the support they receive at
home. Hudson sees the relationship that he and his staff
have with the participant’s parents as a partnership and he
schedules regular meetings to keep them updated on their
children’s progress as students and athletes.
“Putting a child into our program is a good investment
in their future. They learn a lot about self-discipline and hard
work and have fun at the same time. It’s a safe environment
for them to grow in.”
“We have two girls who have been playing football the
last couple of years and it has been amazing to watch their
progress. They have both become pretty good football
players.”
The expense of playing football can be challenging
for parents. To alleviate some of the costs,
Hudson offers free football camps that help
young players improve their skills. Local
businesses, including Classic Cuts and
individuals have been instrumental
in funding the Bulldog’s programs
through sponsorships.
Prospective players and
cheerleaders can also work to
pay for their registration and
equipment fees by joining
fundraising campaigns. It
costs $300 to sponsor a player
for an entire season.
“Every July, Team Classic
Bulldogs hosts free combine
football camps that provide
our players with basic skills
training. The camps are
staffed by high school and
college players. I always
encourage the high school
athletes who sign with
college football programs to
give back to the community
by mentoring younger kids.”
Classic Cuts has also been
a major sponsor of the And
1 Remix Classic, a popular
22
summer basketball tournament that showcases high school
players. Proceeds from the ticket sales for the tournament are
placed in a college scholarship fund for non-athlete students.
In the 4 years that it has been held, the Remix Classic has
awarded $25,000.00 in college scholarships.
“We want to bring the Remix Classic back in the summer of
2016 to provide opportunities for non-athlete students and to
promote our local basketball players. Former and current NBA
and college players will be the referees and they will also judge
the slam dunk contest.”
Voter registration drives, HIV testing campaigns and men’s
health fairs are among the other community related events that
Classic Cuts has participated in. Hudson has also sponsored the
“Throw it in the Bag” event for the last ten years. “Throw it in the
Bag provides free haircuts and school supplies for low income
children as they return to school in the fall.
Being a community attribute also creates business for
Classic Cuts. The barbershop is extremely kid friendly and
85% of their clientele are young athletes. Hudson receives a
lot of referral business from the youth who participate in his
programs.
“We promote our business with sports. Classic Cuts has a
strong reputation in the hair industry and we are proud
of the accolades we have received from the press and
our customers. My barbershop is a platform to
bring notoriety to causes that I support and
to empower the youth of our community.
We are here to help young people with
their self-motivation and to inspire
them to pursue their dreams.”
“Putting a child into
our program is a good
investment in their
future. They learn a lot
about self-discipline
and hard work and
have fun at the same
time. It’s a safe
environment for them
to grow in.”
The Philantrepreneur Journal
Hudson is excited to have
his children and girlfriend
playing active roles in his
philanthropic and business
endeavors.
“I feel like my life is truly a
combination of business and
pleasure. Being around kids all
the time keeps me young and
I am blessed to receive a lot of
support from my family. They
do a lot of things behind the
scenes. My kids are learning
the value the contributing
to their community and the
education th ey are receiving is
priceless.”
To become a Team Classic
Bulldogs player, or sponsor,
please call (702) 513-0496.