Sometimes good ideas evolve accidentally. Dr. Kenneth (Kenny) L. Gray, founder and co-owner of The Sports Legacy Group (also owned by Denison Cabral and Scott Westcoat); owner of Graystone Fitness Personal Training; Dominant Force Celebrity Events; and Beat the Pro recalls a personal experience that inspired an inaugural event that he hopes is the start of something big.
Eight years ago, Dr. Gray hosted an alumni celebrity softball game. During that time, he engaged in a conversation about sports with his current business partner, Denison Cabral, a former Baltimore Blast soccer team player and Hall of Famer. Cabral, who originally hails from Brazil, informed Dr. Gray that he did not know how to play softball.
“I couldn’t believe it. He said he only used his feet all his life as a soccer player, but never his hands in his country as a professional athlete,” said Dr. Gray.
Cabral had only played fútbol (soccer). Dr. Gray, a Glen Burnie, Maryland-based resident, began to ponder the popularity of American football and the global appeal of soccer. NFL professionals and a soccer professional were present at his event. Dr. Gray began to compare how the two popular sports were played. He later had an idea to tap into the appeal of both beloved pastimes and create a free community event to uplift communities through health, wellness and sports.
“One [sport] uses their hands, and the other uses their feet. So, Football VS. Fútbol was created. I began putting together the concept before the pandemic,” Dr. Gray continued.
The Football VS. Fútbol Sports and Wellness Festival will be held on July 19, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Baltimore Peninsula E15, located at Distillery Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230. Dr. Gray, who also coaches high school football and basketball and serves as a pro ABA basketball coach, is the event’s visionary and founder.
The longtime community volunteer now feels that God had a bigger assignment for him, which will grow into a nationwide endeavor, bringing together two sports—football and soccer. July 19, 2025 launches the first part of Dr. Gray’s vision. He is embarking on a new journey with the help of partners, the professional athlete community, community organizations, and fellow business owners.
“We will have former and current professional athletes from the NFL; NBA; WNBA; MLB; soccer; volleyball; and Women’s Flag & Tackle Football leading skills and drills activities with volunteers that the public can join in with the Pros. Activities will focus on football and soccer. Health screenings; lectures; a deejay; entertainment; guest speakers; games; local leaders; food; giveaways and more will also be available during the event,” said Dr. Gray.
He continued, “The goal is to unite the community through sports and wellness all over the country! The interest has already begun in Charlotte, North Carolina; Boston; Atlanta; Los Angeles; Los Vegas and it’s growing.”
United Health Care, a signature partner of the event, will combine a pathway to improve health education and access to health screenings while promoting wellness in various ways such as demonstrations.
John Coulson, a Baltimore based business owner, is lending his support to the Football VS. Fútbol Sports and Wellness Festival. He stated that his companies, PressBox, County Sports Zone, and Jmore partnered with the event’s promoters to generate revenue via sponsorship. According to Coulson, the partnership of the inaugural event is made up of several community companies as well as a nationally known event promoter.
Coulson noted that he chose to get involved to help establish a community event for both underserved and other youth athletes and their families.
“Our hope is to grow Football VS. Fútbol into a significant sports, health and wellness festival over the course of a few years,” the entrepreneur added. “The purpose is to provide a fun sports-based event, introducing kids and families to professional athletes they admire, while providing an opportunity to expose the attendees to important health and wellness information as they have fun.”
Visit http://www.footballvfutbol.org and https://footballvfutbol.org/home/f/what-is-and-why to learn more about his free event. All ages are welcome to attend the Football VS. Fútbol Sports and Wellness Festival.
Great community concept. Excited to have it here in Baltimore this year!
Absolutely loved this post—such a fresh take on the topic!