Each football season, we team up with Fresno State for a once in a lifetime experience for a few lucky patients. At every home football game, one Valley Children’s patient is selected to be the Kid Captain of the game. They get to participate in the coin toss with the team, along with being part of the on-field festivities. For the 2024 season, we have six special Kid Captains to introduce you to the day before each big game!

Meet Gavin!

This 11-year-old loves football and wants to be an NFL coach when he grows up!

Gavin has been a patient in Valley Children’s Willson Heart Center since he was born and has had two successful open-heart surgeries with our teams. Today, Gavin is in 6th grade and has not let his heart defect stop him from doing his favorite things!

Gavin is a great friend and is so excited to be cheering on his hometown team at Valley Children’s Stadium!

Join us in giving Gavin a big Bulldog welcome as we root on him and the ‘Dogs this Saturday as they take on the San Jose State University Spartans!