The Golden Buddies Football Clinic has experienced an overwhelming growth, increasing participation by over 500% since its inception in 2023. Co-founders Matthew Cindric and Myles Williams have successfully collaborated with local organizations to create an engaging environment for children, both with and without intellectual disabilities. The latest event attracted more than 200 kids and a significant number of Cal football players volunteering as coaches and mentors, highlighting the community's strong support for the initiative.

By the Numbers
  • Participation has surged from 30-40 kids in 2023 to over 200 in 2026.
  • More than half of Cal's 105-player football roster volunteered for the event.
State of Play
  • The event, now in its fourth iteration, has solidified its place within the community.
  • There are discussions to expand beyond football to include other sports.
What's Next

Future plans for Golden Buddies include broadening its scope to engage more sports programs at Cal, enhancing community outreach, and hosting multiple events throughout the year to foster inclusion.

Bottom Line

The growth of the Golden Buddies initiative exemplifies the power of community involvement and highlights the importance of inclusivity in sports. This clinic not only benefits participants but also enriches Cal Athletics' connection to the local community.