Changing the Narrative: Kinston Elite 252 is Building More Than Football Players
KINSTON — In a city often spotlighted for the wrong reasons, Cori Waters is shining a light of his own — one built on community, consistency, and the kind of commitment that doesn’t always come with a headline.
Since August 2023, Waters has led a group of 8-to-14-year-old boys in a journey that began with local flag football and evolved into a 7-on-7 travel team called Kinston Elite 252 now competing across the state and beyond. The name isn’t tied to a school or booster club. There are no big sponsors backing it. This is raw grassroots football, molded by passion and purpose.
“I was just thinking, ‘What can I do to make a difference?’ So I started this team because I wanted these kids to have more exposure,” Waters said. “Kinston isn't a bad place, but the support isn't always there unless something's new or fresh. This is bigger than me — it's about giving these kids every chance they deserve.”
For Waters, who’s been with this team since its inception in the fall of 2023, coaching isn’t just about X’s and O’s. It's about reshaping mindsets.
“We’re not just teaching football,” he said. “Football is third. First is school. Second is respect — respect your elders, respect your parents. That’s what we stand on.”
With roots deeply planted in the Kinston community, Waters is uniquely positioned to connect with the kids he coaches. Many of their parents are people he grew up with. That familiarity allows him to build relationships that extend far beyond the field.
“Each kid is different,” Waters said. “I’ve got a different bond with every one of them. I know what makes them go, and I know how to reach them. That only comes from growing up where they’re growing up and understanding what they’re going through.”
It’s not just Waters doing the lifting. His right-hand man is Coach Will London, someone he’s known since childhood.
“I’ve known Coach Will since he was 8 or 9 years old,” Waters said. “He grew up in the same neighborhood as me. We think alike, and we care alike. He’ll load his car up to get the kids to the tournament, help get them home — whatever it takes. He’s the kind of coach who picks kids up and pours into them.”
Together, Waters and London have created a program that is equal parts structure and fun.
“I don’t want to be the coach that’s yelling all day,” Waters added. “We make the game fun. We want the kids to enjoy coming to practice, to want to come back the next day. Because that’s how you build consistency and love for the game.”
Since launching, the team has traveled to tournaments in Winterville, Durham, and Charlotte. This Saturday, they’ll compete in “Trophy Day” of the Legacy League in Durham. Next weekend, they’ll be headed to Greenville to take part in the CE 7-on-7 Tournament, hosted by Team Copper — an event that promises more exposure and tougher competition.
But with travel comes cost — something Waters has handled with the same grit he demands from his players.
“I work overtime,” he said. “I pick up extra shifts, and the parents pitch in when they can. We do pop-up shops, fundraisers — anything to make it work. I don’t do it for recognition. I just want the kids to have the opportunity.”
The ultimate goal, however, isn’t just wins or rankings.
“We want to change the narrative,” Waters said. “People think of Kinston and they think about shootings, killings, or just basketball. We want to show there’s more here — there are good kids, hard-working kids, kids who deserve a chance. And we’re going to give it to them.”
Coach Waters isn’t just building a 7-on-7 team — he’s building young men. He’s giving them a foundation rooted in school, respect, and football done the right way. Alongside Coach London, he’s helping redefine what’s possible for youth in Kinston, one practice, one tournament, one lesson at a time.
“We’re just two guys from Kinston,” Waters said. “Doing our part.”
