Kelly Houston-Johnson speaking to Pontiac Panthers players, coaches, and families

Pontiac, Michigan · Since 1988

Nearly 40 Years
of Building Leaders.

From Louis Laster's vision in 1988 to the next generation of Panthers, we empower youth through football, cheer, mentorship, and opportunity — building character one child, one family, one season at a time.

"Kelly Houston-Johnson, daughter of founder Louis Laster, shares the vision, values, and legacy that continue to guide the Pontiac Panthers nearly 40 years later."

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The Vision That Started It All

Young Pontiac Panthers players celebrating in a team huddle

Generations of Panthers — celebrating the moments that shape a lifetime.

The vision that started it all.

Born from the vision of Louis Laster and a group of dedicated community leaders, the Pontiac Panthers were founded to ensure Pontiac's youth would always have a place to belong, compete, and grow.

Nearly four decades later, that vision continues through every athlete, coach, volunteer, parent, and supporter who helps carry the legacy forward.

"One man's vision became a 40-year legacy. Now it's our turn to carry it forward."

By The Numbers · A Community's Commitment

Real impact you can measure.

Behind every number is a young person whose life was changed by mentorship, discipline, teamwork, and the unwavering belief of a community that refused to give up on them.

Years of Service

100+

Youth Annually

3,000+

Alumni

90%

Pontiac Residents

40+

Volunteers

501(c)(3)

Nonprofit

Pontiac Panthers team walking toward the camera together — Good win boys

Why these numbers matter

90% of our athletes are Pontiac kids — the children of our neighbors, our schools, our churches, our future.

When you give, you're not funding a season. You're keeping a promise made in 1988 — that no child in Pontiac would ever be left without a team, a coach, or a chance.

Full Pontiac Panthers team in red jerseys kneeling together on the field for a team photo

Our Mission

More than a game.
A movement.

The mission of the Pontiac Panthers Youth Football and Cheer Organization is to empower youth through football, cheer, mentorship, and opportunity — while developing character, leadership, discipline, and excellence both on and off the field.

We are committed to building future leaders and strengthening our community through teamwork, sportsmanship, and service.

Character

Leadership

Discipline

Excellence

Pontiac Panthers cheerleaders posing together in their Panthers uniforms

Why Your Support Matters

Every gift becomes a child's chance.

Uniforms & safety equipment
New helmets & football gear
Transportation & travel support
Facility access & game-day operations
Athletic physicals & training
Mentorship & youth development programs

Faces of the Panthers

These are our kids.

Every jersey has a story. Every athlete has potential. Every season changes lives.

#39 · #14 · #25
Brotherhood, built one game at a time.

Friday Night
Walking off the field as a team.

Behind every photo is a child whose Friday night, whose weekend, whose whole season — was changed by this community.

What Your Gift Makes Possible

Every dollar is a real outcome for a real child.

We don't sell tiers. We tell you exactly what your generosity will do — for one athlete, one team, one season, one Pontiac child at a time.

A young Panther making a play on the field

Most-Loved Gift

$350= One Athlete

Covers a child's full-season experience — uniform, equipment, mentorship, and a place to belong.

Sponsor an Athlete →Give Any Amount

Your Gift Provides

$1,000= Equipment for a Team

Outfits an entire unit with helmets, pads, jerseys, and the safety gear every child deserves.

Team-wide equipment fund
Website recognition
Social media recognition
Event-day recognition
Community visibility

Give $1,000

Your Gift Provides

$2,500= Transportation & Safety Support

Funds buses, athletic physicals, and game-day safety so no Pontiac child gets left behind.

Travel & transportation fund
Athletic physicals & training
Website + social recognition
Event & annual banquet recognition
Community visibility

Give $2,500

Greatest Impact

Your Gift Provides

$5,000= Season-Changing Community Partnership

Powers an entire season — facilities, equipment, transportation, mentorship — and changes lives.

Premium website recognition
Featured social media spotlights
Top-tier event recognition
Honored at annual banquet
Maximum community visibility

Give $5,000

Panther Nation Partners

Built by believers.

These businesses and community leaders stand behind Pontiac's youth. Their generosity makes every play, every practice, and every life changed possible.

Premier Partner

Johnny L. Hawkins

The Warrior Lawyer

Just Call Johnny. One Call. That's All.

248.567.9990

Supporting Sponsor

Terry's Tire

Supporting Sponsor

1153 N Perry St, Pontiac, MI 48340

(248) 332-5460

Your Logo Here

Join Panther Nation

Legacy Contributors

Legacy Contributor

Callahan's Muffler & Brake

1300 Perry St, Pontiac, MI 48340

(248) 373-9589

Legacy Contributor

Pontiac Night Riders

339 Raeburn, Pontiac, MI 48341

(248) 214-7883

Legacy Contributor

TreVarrow Inc.

1295 N. Opdyke Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326

800-482-1948

MentorshipLeadershipCommunity PridePontiac ResurgenceDisciplineSportsmanshipMentorshipLeadershipCommunity PridePontiac ResurgenceDisciplineSportsmanship

Chapter Three · A City's Future

A team. A family.
A future.

In 1988, Louis Laster set out to ensure Pontiac's youth would always have a place to belong, compete, grow, and lead. Decades later, that promise still pulses through every chinstrap, every pom, every parent in the stands.

This is Pontiac's resurgence — built one young leader at a time.

Panther Story
More Than a Game
Walking off the field with confidence, pride, and purpose.

Panther Story
Teamwork in Action
Hands in, hearts in. Brotherhood forged on the field.

Panther Story
Building Confidence
Every breakaway begins with belief.

"These children matter.
This city matters.
And the next 40 years start with you."

Follow Panther Nation

Live from the sidelines.

Game-day moments, behind-the-scenes from practice, and the voices of parents and coaches who keep this community lit. Follow our Facebook group to never miss a play.

Follow on Facebook

Carrying the Pontiac Panthers banner forward.

Coach's words. Team's promise.

Pontiac youth — the next generation, together.

Three Panthers, one family.

#18 — all smiles after the game.

Kelly speaking to the next generation.

The full Pontiac Panthers community — players, cheerleaders, coaches, and parents — together on the field

Carry it forward

"We were given something by Louis Laster. Now we give it to the next generation."

Invest in Pontiac's Future

Help Us Build the Next Generation of Pontiac Leaders.

For nearly 40 years, the Pontiac Panthers have been more than a football and cheer program. We are mentors, role models, and a family. Together, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, compete, and succeed.

Tax-Deductible501(c)(3) NonprofitSecured by giv.li

Nearly 40 Yearsof Building Leaders.

The vision that started it all.

Real impact you can measure.

More than a game.A movement.

Every gift becomes a child's chance.

These are our kids.

Every dollar is a real outcome for a real child.

$350= One Athlete

Built by believers.

A team. A family.A future.

Live from the sidelines.

Help Us Build the Next Generation of Pontiac Leaders.

Nearly 40 Years
of Building Leaders.

More than a game.
A movement.

A team. A family.
A future.