PURPOSE
PIRATES
INTEGRITY
RESPECT
ACCOUNTABILITY
TEAMWORK
EXCELLENCE
SERVICE
VISION
To be a reliable and self sustaining pillar in the Park Hill community in which families and student athletes can seek out support. In addition, we look to continually guiding student athletes; building character through teamwork, sportsmanship, and mentorship.
MISSION
We contribute to the development of student-athletes and empower them to reach their full potential in life, home, school, and within the community.
THE HISTORY OF THE PIRATES
Pirates Youth Football Organization Founder
WILLIAM R. ROBERTS
The Park Hill Pirates Youth Sports Organization was founded in 1968 by the late William “Bill” Roberts, a respected businessman and politician in Denver. Over the years, the Pirates have shaped countless young individuals into successful professionals, including lawyers, doctors, politicians, professional athletes, community leaders, and dedicated citizens.
With a legacy of positively impacting thousands of youth across the city, our notable alumni include former Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Colorado State Senator James Coleman, NBA Hall Of Famer and Portland Trail Blazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups, Portland Trail Blazers Assistant Coach Rodney Billups, NFL stars Calais Campbell, LenDale White, Chau Wade-Smith, and honorary Pirate Daniel Graham, as well as Dr. Ryan Ross, Herman White Sr., Herman White Jr., Mikoyan Watson, Allen Webb, Roman Hollowell, Cortney Hysaw, Thal Woods, and many others.
Numerous Pirates have earned academic and athletic scholarships, graduated college, and returned to their communities to give back.
1936 - 2005
Our alumni’s commitment to mentoring, supporting, and partnering with the organization has fostered a strong sense of tradition and pride, inspiring the next generation of young men and women in the Park Hill community.
The Pirates program has made a profound impact in Denver, Colorado, and specifically the Park Hill neighborhood. Recognizing the area’s struggles with gang activity and gun violence, we’ve taken proactive measures to guide youth toward positive pathways. As agents of change, we’ve expanded our efforts beyond sports by introducing initiatives such as Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programming, Mental Health and Wellness support, tutoring programs, afterschool enrichment, and mentoring.
Our purpose is to ensure that every player is equipped to succeed in life—academically, professionally, and on the field. Together, we aim to continue building a brighter future for our youth and our community.
