Meet Emily Ruiz of Paladin Sports Outreach in San Tan Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Ruiz.

Emily, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After 12 years in the cosmetology industry I was approached By the Director of Paladin Sports Outreach, Blake Wilsford. He along with his board have an amazing vision for Paladin, and they were ready to hire their first full time employee to be the Programs Director for the San Tan Valley/Queen Creek area as they work on branching and growing the organization nationwide. It was a huge change of career for me but I knew God was calling me into this Ministry. With my love for kids and sports while being a Christ-centered organization it was the perfect for me!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Paladin has grown so much over the past several years. It has had its up and downs and growing pains. But continually giving this Ministry over to God is how we push through the obstacles. There has been lots and lots of prayer asking God for the vision and direction he wants us to go. When Blake Wilsford took the ministry over in 2012 Paladin was serving around 200 kids each season. In 2017 we have more than doubled that number with around 2000 kids in 2017 participating in sports while hearing and learning about God!

Please tell us about Paladin Sports Outreach.
Paladin Sports Outreach is a 501(c) 3, Arizona nonprofit corporation, established in 2008 to bring sports and recreation services to communities everywhere.  We believe that sports are an incredible vehicle for bringing families together and for teaching youth important life lessons that will impact forever!

Primary Purpose and Mission: To be the influence of the local sports community by reaching and connecting youth and their families to Jesus Christ and the local church.

Vision:  To change the culture of sports.
Paladin Sports Outreach is not a sports league. We are a non-denominational, Christian-based nonprofit organization serving small children, youth and adults through sport and recreation outreach. We go to where the families are, where the kids are, and where the need for positive role models and quality sports and recreational programs is greatest.

We are about positively impacting lives in a way in which kids and their parents can relate; sports. We are about bringing needed equipment (physical and financial) to kids who are interested in sport, but couldn’t otherwise afford targeted sports clinics or leagues. We are about bringing parents and communities together in support of their most valued assets, their young children.

What makes us different:
We put Psalm 7:10 on the back of all our Jerseys.
We also Pray before the start of every game and invite other teams to join us.
Each week at practice our amazing volunteer coaches teach the kids the weekly character trait and bible verse.

We offer Lil Pals sports for ages 3-12. Soccer, Tball, baseball, flag football and basketball.
We also offer competitive club soccer and baseball for ages 7-18yrs old
We have men’s softball and co-ed softball leagues
We also offer our FREE Mighty Pals program that is for our kids with physical and/or intellectual disabilities

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
With our focus continually on God through the bumps and hurdles there isn’t anything I would change. God has grown Paladin in huge ways…and He isn’t finished with us yet!

Pricing:

• Lil Pals Division (ages 3-8) $45 season includes Team picture, end of year medal and Jersey
• Spartan Division (ages 9-12) $55 Includes team picture and jersey
• Club Soccer and Baseball $300-$400
• Mighty Pals ( children with physical and/or intellectual disabilities) FREE
• Mens and Co-ed Softball $45 per person

Contact Info:

• Address: All of our Lil pals and Spartan games are played at
  JO Combs Traditional Academy
  37327 N Gantzel Rd, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
• Website: www.paladinsports.org
• Email: info@paladinsports.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paladinsports/

Image Credit:
Emily Ruiz
Lindsay Wilsford

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