Big Dawgs United

– Transforming

Lives Through

Football

Empowering youth to achieve excellence both on and off the field through competitive sports, mentoring, and education.

Join Our Mission

Contact Us @ (708) 955-3986

Our Vision

Big Dawgs United (BDU) Elite Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Gary, Indiana that provides elite youth football training, character development, and academic support for students ages 10–18. We primarily serve underserved minority youth in Northeastern Indiana.

At BDU, we envision a world where every person has access to the resources they need to live a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. We strive to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Give your child the chance to learn, grow, and achieve at the highest levels of football and life skills development. Register today to join BDU!

Empowering futures through passion and play

Donate / Sponsor / Volunteer

Support Our Program!

It's more than supporting a football team. It’s investing in the future of young athletes. Sponsors help us provide scholarships, uniforms, equipment, tutoring & development opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. Each contribution has a tangible impact, instilling life skills and fostering community spirit.

Strengthening Bodies and Minds

Preparing Leaders for Life & Football

Many athletes in Gary, IN and surface barriers from limited resources and hardship. BDU believes every child deserves the chance to reach their potential. Our expert coaches—spanning Pop Warner to pro levels—deliver athletic and life skills training plus personalized guidance for academic, social, and athletic success.

Find out more

Please Support Us

Funding is essential for BDU to continue expanding access and providing the highest-quality experience for our athletes. We actively pursue grant opportunities and corporate sponsorships to sustain and grow the program, ensuring that financial barriers never prevent a child from reaching their potential.

Events

11/29/2025

BDU Elite Tryouts!

We're excited to welcome athletes looking to join one of the top regional and national 7v7 programs!

3pm-6pm

Great Lakes Sports Hub

Meet the Team of Professionals

Melvie Price

Founder & Head Coach, BDU Elite Foundation

Coach Melvie Price is the Founder and Head Coach of BDU Elite Foundation, a rapidly growing nonprofit organization based in Gary, Indiana. Since launching BDU Elite in 2022, Coach Mel has led the program from a small, promising youth football initiative into one of the region’s premier youth development organizations.

Learn More

Emma Johnson

Project Manager

[Team Member Name] is a skilled professional with extensive experience in [industry/field]. Passionate about [specific aspect of the job or industry], [he/she/they] deliver(s) exceptional results and drive(s) success for our clients.