Families, seniors experience fun with smaller courts via USTA Florida initiatives at Miami Open

Harvey Wolintz fell on his wrist playing tennis years ago, and he hadn’t been back to the court since. At the Miami Open, the Miami senior citizen was on the court in jeans and sneakers, beginning a possible return to the game on a shorter court with modified equipment.

The USTA Florida Masters Tennis format turns a regulation 78-foot court into a 60-foot court that is easier to cover and uses the easier-to-control “orange ball.” With the format players can use smaller, easier-to-control racquets or their regular racquets.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Wolintz said in a release. “It can get people back into the game.”

Families took to the court during the Miami Open at The Tennis Center of Crandon Park in Key Biscayne as part of USTA Florida’s week-long series of Kids Days, Masters Tennis Day, Tenis para Todos (Tennis for Everyone), and other playing opportunities. The Masters Tennis format is for players returning to the game, and also great for players new to the game, or for players who struggle with injuries or issues that do not let them play full-court tennis.

“There’s always a way for people to play tennis, and people any age or skill level now has the ability, through the short-court format, to play for their entire lives,” said USTA Florida Masters Tennis Coordinator Christine Murphy, who is overseeing Masters Tennis programs across Florida.

The Miami Open event saw players young and older, family members both experienced and new to the game on more equal footing with the fun Masters Tennis format.

“I like it because we can play together,” said 10-year-old Mark Meister, a self-described “player” hitting with his mother. “She doesn’t play a lot like me, but at this we can play and rally the ball for a long time.”

For information on Masters Tennis or programs in Florida go to

www.ustaflorida.com/adulttennis/masters-tennis.

Miami Dolphins flag football

Lauderdale Lakes Middle School girls’ flag football team posted a triple overtime victory over Fort Lauderdale-Dillard 18-12 in the inaugural Miami Dolphins Middle School Flag Football Championship.

The day brought 16 middle school teams from Miami-Dade and Broward counties to the Doctors Hospital Training Facility, training home of the Miami Dolphins, at Nova Southeastern University in Davie.

Broward County School Athletic Director Rocky Gillis discussed the first year of play for the middle school flag football league, after budget restraints led to cuts county wide for flag football a few years ago. Through the Miami Dolphins, along with a grant from the NFL Foundation with Publix matching the funds, the league was created with the Dolphins lending their training facility along with uniforms and footballs.

“Through the generosity of the Miami Dolphins and Publix, flag football has been reinstated, and it alleviated a huge burden off our 42 middle schools to not have to purchase uniforms,” Gillis said. “The students are overjoyed with smiles from ear to ear. They’re excited about the opportunity to compete – not only against each other – but to be able to compete against the Miami-Dade County schools. For the students, it’s tremendous to know that they are participating at an event that is the same place where the Miami Dolphins practice.”

The league originated from an NFL Foundation grant. The program complements the NFL’s Physical Education flag football curriculum in Miami-Dade County schools. The goal of the Miami Dolphins Youth Programs, Publix and the NFL Foundation is to reinstate flag football in more than 40 middle schools in South Florida after the sport was cancelled in recent years. This inaugural championship is a giant step in the mission to grow youth football in the region.

Dolphins Youth and Community Programs Manager Troy Drayton said: “Today marked a milestone in our efforts to promote youth football in the region. Bringing together over 320 Miami-Dade and Broward County athletes and hosting them at our training camp home hopefully made some Dolphins fans for life and promoted the sport of football for these kids at an early age.”

The boys’ team participated in a jamboree with no champion.

Girls: Pines 20, Hialeah Gardens 0; Dillard 14, Arvida 6; Lauderdale Lakes 13, Homestead 7; Dillard 19, Pines 6; Lauderdale Lakes 12, Pompano 6; Lauderdale Lakes 18, Dillard 12. Boys: Pines 38, Forest Glen 6; Silver Lakes 27, Pompano 8; Millennium 0, Dillard 13; Attucks 14, West Glades 0.

Miami Dolphins Mom’s Clinic

The Miami Dolphins, in partnership with USA Football’s national initiative of Heads Up Football program and defensive end Olivier Vernon, will host their second annual Mom’s Clinic on April 14 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Doctors Hospital Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University, 7500 SW 30th St. in Davie.

The clinic will include information about nutrition, heat and hydration, equipment fitting and conclude with interactive drills that show proper Heads Up Football tackling techniques.

Guest speakers for the event include Miami Dolphins Executive Vice President of Football Administration Dawn Aponte, who also serves on the Board of Directors for USA Football; Dolphins nutritionist Mary Ellen Bingham, Assistant Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapist Jonathan Gress as well as a panel of football moms that will address youth sports topics.

Equipment fitting will be led by Dolphins Equipment Manager Joe Cimino with assistance from Vernon. Cimino will show the proper way helmets and shoulder pads should fit to help reduce injuries.

After the presentations, the women will participate in interactive drills that teach proper tackling techniques. The drills will be led by Dolphins alumnus and Heads Up Football Master Trainer Troy Drayton as well as Columbus High School coach and USA Football Master Trainer Chris Merritt.

The clinic is free and includes a goodie bag, T-shirt and Heads Up Football packet.

Participants can register by visiting

www.dolphinsacademy.com

or calling 305-943-7272.

Former MDC student honored

A Marian University (Ohio) cyclist who survived a motorcycle accident and later became interested in the sport will receive the Brady Sports Achievement Award for his inspiring comeback. In 2010 at age 20, Miami Dade College student Moise Brutus lost both legs and a hand in a motorcycle accident on the Turnpike Expansion in Miami-Dade that nearly claimed his life.

Brutus and three other student-athletes across Indiana will receive the Brady Sports Achievement Award including Kourtni “Kat” Taylor (University of Evansville), Dylan Shumaker (Breman High School) and Abigayle Burns (Carroll Junior and Senior High School). They will be honored at the 10th annual Brady Sports Achievement Awards, scheduled for April 16 at 7 p.m. at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis.

After his recovery, Brutus rode a stationary bike for therapy and realized cycling was something he wanted to pursue. One of his goals was to represent the United States in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Brutus encountered yet another setback during a training ride in 2013. He was hit by a distracted driver and was left on the side of the road with his destroyed bicycle and damaged prostheses. Undaunted, Brutus adapted to new prostheses, resumed training and approached Marian for the opportunity to join their team. With some assistance getting on his bicycle and receiving a push, Brutus locks his prosthetic arm into the handles and calls upon his special silver cycling legs to compete with cyclists from all over the world.

While working hard in the classroom, Brutus is now living his dream, competing at the Division I level at one of the nation’s elite collegiate cycling programs. He is grateful for encouragement from teammates and his coach as they work together through his physical challenges. Brutus was a member of the MWCCC Track Regional Championship Team in fall 2013.

The Brady Sports Achievement Awards were established by the Methodist Sports Medicine Research and Education Foundation and are sponsored by Physicians Rehab Solution to honor four Indiana student-athletes who have overcome injury or hardship.

Scheck Hillel Community School

Scheck Hillel Community School named two athletes as Student-Athletes of the Week.

Isaac Darwiche (junior) is a rising star on the Scheck Hillel boys varsity volleyball team. Still in his first year playing the sport, Darwiche has worked hard to develop both his offensive and defensive play. He is a dominant presence at the net, a consistent server and has improved his back row play. Darwiche is always a positive influence on his teammates and approaches games and practice with dedication and optimism.

Ali Wolf (sophomore) from the varsity girls flag football team has been a standout all season. She is the Lions’ running back on offense and safety on defense. Wolf is also a second-year captain of the team and leads the team in rushing yards as she has about 10 carries a game and is also one of their top scorers.

Miami Country Day School

Miami Country Day School announced its Athletes of the Week.

The Middle School Male Athlete of the Week was Milledge Cossu. A seventh-grader, Milledge led the tennis team to its 18th consecutive district championship by winning the No.1 singles and No.1 doubles championships and qualifying for States.

The Upper School Female Athlete of the Week was Celina Lindemann of the tennis team. She led the Spartans to their third consecutive district championship by winning the No.3 singles and No.2 doubles matches.

The Upper School Male Athlete of the Week was Max Cohan, who was also on the varsity tennis that won its 18th consecutive district title. He competed and won his No.2 singles and No.1 doubles matches.

Howard Palmetto fundraiser

A night of simulated casino gaming action, food and drink is April 18 to raise money for the Howard Palmetto 12U Aces baseball team. Funds raised that evening at the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame will enable the Aces to compete in a national tournament in June in Cooperstown, NY.

Hosted by K.C. Jones, president of the UM Sports Hall of Fame and a two-time Super Bowl winner with the Denver Broncos, the event will run from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Hall, 5821 San Amaro Dr. in Coral Gables (next to the Hecht Athletic Center).

Tickets are available in advance and at the door for $100 per player, which covers all food and drink, too. Social tickets for nonplayers are available for $50. Several prizes will be awarded at the end of the evening. All proceeds will benefit the Howard Palmetto Aces 12U Team, which is a nonprofit organization.

“This is an opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of young Miami athletes and their families,” said K.C. Jones. “We welcome Howard Palmetto Aces supporters to the Hall of Fame for what will be a fun evening.”

Richard King, manager of the Howard Palmetto 12U Aces, said, “Our team is honored to represent the Howard Palmetto league at this prestigious tournament. On behalf of league officials, our team parents and the players, I would like to thank K.C. and the UM Sports Hall of Fame for providing a one-of-a-kind venue for our fundraiser. From this Hall we shall help our kids to compete in the shadows of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame this summer.”

For information, contact Diana Joa at joa.diana@gmail.com,

David Schull at david.schull@russopartnersllc.com or

Angie King at amking26@aol.com.

Follow the event on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/events/368944979960517/.

South Beach Triathlon

The 2015 South Beach Triathlon, produced and presented by Life Time — The Healthy Way of Life Company (NYSE: LTM) and part of the 11-race Life Time Tri Series, is returning Sunday, April 19 with the gorgeous backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and Miami Beach’s Art Deco district.

Classic and International distances will start with a salt-water swim off the shores of South Beach, followed by a bike ride across the MacArthur Causeway into Miami and a run through South Beach.

Registration is open.

In addition, Triathlon weekend offers a series of support events including an Open Water Swim and First Timer Clinic at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18 and the St. Jude Tot Trot, a 50-yard beach dash for children, age 3-5, and a 100-yard dash for children, age 6-9, at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 19 with all proceeds going to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The South Beach Triathlon also features the CEO Challenge for business owners, Presidents and C-Level executives of companies with at least $1 million in annual revenue.

The race serves as a major fundraiser for St. Jude, which has raised more than $1 million through the South Beach Triathlon.

Registration for the South Beach Triathlon is $190 (International Individual), $275 (International Relay), $140 (Sprint Individual) and $225 (Sprint Relay) and can be processed at southbeachtriathlon.com.

For information and updates, visit

southbeachtriathlon.com or lifetimetri.com.

25/75 Triathlon North Miami

The 25/75 Triathlon North Miami will be held May 17 beginning at 7 a.m.

The competition, sponsored by Florida International University and presented by City Bikes, will be a .75K swim, a 20K bike and a 5K run held on the Biscayne Bay Campus of FIU, 3000 NE 151st St.

For information and to register, visit www.2575northmiami.com

MLB Bat Girl contest

Nominate someone who is Going to Bat Against breast cancer.

Winners will receive Major League Baseball game tickets and the opportunity to be recognized on-field during the game. Vote for nominees affected by the disease.

Nominate at

BatGirl

Visit mlb.com.

Pitch, Hit & Run

Pitch, Hit & Run allows boys and girls, age 7-14, to showcase their baseball and softball skills, while also providing them the opportunity to advance through four levels of competition, including Team Championships at every Major League stadium or ballpark and the National Finals at the 2015 MLB All-Star Game.

Hosting a local competition is fun and free. Upon registering, an administrative kit is provided to each host including a handbook, strike zone banner, posters, awards and other materials needed to host the event.

▪ Free to the local host and local competitors.

▪ Any coach, parent or adult volunteer can host a competition.

▪ Local competitions can be offered in March, April or early May.

▪ An exciting one-day community event that can take as little as 2-3 hours.

Go to

PitchHitRun

Questions, contact pitchhitrun@mlb.com.

Footgolf

The international sport Footgolf is being introduced to the South Miami-Dade community at Killian Greens Golf Club, 9980 SW 104th St.

Footgolf (18 holes) can be played in two hours and is a great source of exercise for those who enjoy kicking a soccer ball. Times are available everyday of the week after 4:30 p.m. to players of all skill levels, families and groups. Balls are available for rent for $5 to those who do not already own one.

Killian Greens is an accredited Footgolf course with the American Footgolf League. Call 305-271-0917.

Palmetto Bay flag football

Palmetto Bay Broncos Flag Football is at Coral Reef Park.

Open to boys and girls, age 4-18. Register as an individual for $100 or as a team of 10 with a coach for $800.

Practice starts April 20. Practices and games are weekdays either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday.

In its 39 years, the Broncos have provided more than 7,000 children the opportunity to participate in an organized football and cheerleading program. Tackle football and cheerleading are under the Greater Miami South Florida Pop Warner League banner.

Visit Palmetto Bay Broncos.

Email info@palmettobaybroncos.org

Suniland flag football

Registration for the Suniland 5-on-5 Flag Football Summer Season is open until June for boys and girls, age 5-15.

Registration is at Suniland Park, 12855 S. Dixie Hwy., Pinecrest, every weeknight 6 to 8 and every Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon. Fee is $125 and covers reversible shirt, shorts, flags, secondary insurance and high school certified referees. Full Teams accepted at a discounted rate. Every team makes playoffs. Coaches and team sponsors needed. For information, contact Flag Commissioner Ken Hanna 305-992-2991 or Club President Jose Regalado 305-458-1966 or josearegalado@att.net

The Optimist Club of Suniland is an organization entirely made up of volunteers who have been providing community service thru sports in South Florida since 1968.

Suniland conditioning

Optimist Club of Suniland Sports Conditioning is now-May 31 at Suniland Park, 12855 S. Dixie Hwy., Pinecrest.

Registration is 6-8 p.m. weeknights for boys and girls, age 5-15. Fee is $20 which covers T-shirt, insurance and awards. Contact Jose Regalado 305-458-1966 or josearegalado@att.net.

Cavaliers football, cheerleading

Registration is open for the Cavaliers Tackle Football and Cheerleading program for boys and girls, age 4-14, at Coral Gables High School. For information contact Jon at 305-923-7656 or visit www.playactionsports.org.

Heads Up Football

USA Football’s Heads Up Football program for high schools and youth organizations will include sudden cardiac arrest protocols andHeads Up Blocking fundamentals in 2015.

Both topics are now included in USA Football’s Level 1 coaching education course and its high school certification course.

USA Football is the national governing body of the sport and educates more high school and youth football coaches combined than any organization in the United States.

USA Football’s Heads Up Football program is supported by more than two dozen medical and football partners.

“Coaches should be prepared to respond to a life-threatening emergency if needed,” said Dr. Jonathan Drezner, past president of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and a member of USA Football’s Medical Advisory Committee.

“With prompt recognition, early CPR and use of an AED, sudden cardiac arrest is largely a survivable event if treated quickly. USA Football is committed to the safety of young athletes, and I am proud that a sudden cardiac arrest training module is being added to the Heads Up Football program. The module provides coaches the information they need to be prepared for sudden cardiac arrest.”

“Blocking is one of football’s basic skills that every player needs to be taught,” said Jeff Saturday, a former NFL All-Pro center and ESPN analyst. Saturday is a member of USA Football’s Football Advisory Committee.

“USA Football’s Heads Up Blocking technique helps coaches teach this fundamental – properly engaging with a defender, driving with the legs and maintaining the correct body position for effective and safer play. This is how blocking should be taught.”

Heads Up Football is a comprehensive collection of resources and medically approved protocols to establish important standards rooted in education to change behavior for the better.

In addition to sudden cardiac arrest and Heads Up Blocking, the program covers concussion awareness and recognition, heat and hydration protocols, proper tackling fundamentals and equipment fitting. More than 5,500 youth leagues and 750 high schools in 2014 participated in the program this past fall, benefiting nearly 1-million players.

Follow USA Football at www.facebook.com/usafootball

or on Twitter @USAFootball

NFL Football Matters

The National Football Foundation announced the launch of FootballMatters.org, a powerful new addition to the organization’s campaign to highlight the good in the game and the lifelong benefits to those who play it.

“Football makes a positive impact on so many levels, and we realized that we needed a centralized resource for capturing and subsequently promoting all the great football stories out there,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “FootballMatters.org provides us a potent platform for addressing that void and delivering compelling content directly to audiences who can help us amplify our messages about the value of football in producing leaders and creating educational opportunities.”

NFF Chairman Archie Manning added: “It’s just gratifying to be part of something that does so much good for our young people. The stories are out there, including the thousands of young kids who could not have gone to college but got some aid because of football, and their lives have been changed for the better. FootballMatters.org will enable us to directly capture those stories and inspire the next generation to further their educations.”

The NFF has linked with Arkleus Broadcasting, a Dallas-based full-service media company, to create the platform, which also encompasses a strong social media component to gain traction for the campaign.

“Arkleus is honored and thrilled to be chosen by such a prestigious American institution as the NFF to build and market an exciting new sports media property,” said Arkleus Broadcasting President Joe Shults. “We are passionately committed to helping the NFF in every way to protect, enhance, and ensure the future of football for generations to come.”

The site focuses on stories, videos, and franchises highlighting the very best in high school and college football, such as: Football Moms, Special Teams, Hook & Corporate Ladder, Man-to-Man, the Quote of the Day and many more. The site will also be the home to exclusive profiles of Campbell Trophy finalists, Leadership Award Winners, Courage Award Winners and all the honors associated with the NFF.

“We are really excited about the Football Matters initiative,” said Hatchell. “I want to thank everybody at Arkleus for their passion for the project. They have done a marvelous job of getting it up and running in a short amount of time, and we have already received great feedback.”

The site focuses on the stories that evoke the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, competitive zeal, character building and the drive for academic excellence that exemplifies many of the young men who play football and the families who support them.

You can learn more about the site and watch a video featuring NFF Chairman Archie Manning and NFF Board Members Jack Ford, Archie Griffin, Kevin Plank and Rod West by clicking here.

Visit www.footballfoundation.org.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NFFNetwork

Twitter https://twitter.com/NFFNetwork

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/NFFOnDemand

Heads Up

Former tight end Troy Drayton played nine seasons in the NFL, including 1996-99 with the Miami Dolphins, and he is the Dolphins’ youth program coordinator.

Drayton added a new title to his résumé — NAmbassador for Heads Up Football.

The Nand USA Football jointly announced the national launch of Heads Up Football, a youth football program aimed at making football better and safer for all who play it. The program is being supported with a $1.5 million grant from the NFoundation.

Three million kids already play tackle football, and the game can be even safer. Heads Up Football includes a tackling model that removes the head from the game.

Heads Up Football has five core elements: The use of the Heads Up Tackling model; coaching certification; Player Safety Coaches; concussion education; and proper equipment-fitting.

The program was launched in three test markets last year. This year, it expanded to more than 600 youth leagues in 50 states. Of these leagues, 100 were assigned a former Nplayer mentor. Drayton served as a mentor to a local Heads Up League — the Tamiami Colts of the Miami Xtreme Youth Football League.

Florida Christian lacrosse

Florida Christian School Athletic Director Ed Riggan, announced that FCS Athletics will offer lacrosse at the JV level for the spring of the 2014-15 school year. For information call 305-226-8152 or visit www.floridachristian.org.

ThunderPlex

Thunder Athletix and Brain Gymnasium LLC teamed to offer a complete fitness program of body and mind at the new ThunderPlex, 1440 NW 82 Ave. in Doral.

Students can improve their basketball skills and physical fitness, as well as strengthen their academic skills through specialized tutoring programs. They can have fun and finish their homework.

The mission is to teach the principles, fundamentals and basic skills of the game to children age 5-17.

Brain Gymnasium offers specialized tutoring, homework help, FCAT Prep, SAT/ACT Prep, and Entrance Exam Prep. Their degreed, professional and experienced teachers provide a simple and exciting approach to learning.

For information on special packages, after school programs and summer programs,

visit www.jointhunder.com ; contact@jointhunder.com or call 786-505-5585.

For information on Brain Gymnasium, visit www.braingymnasium.org or call 305-788-7339.

Thunder basketball

Thunder Basketball opened its new year-round facility at ThunderPlex, 1440 NW 82th Ave., Doral.

The mission is to teach the principles, fundamentals and basic skills of the game. It stresses the importance of team and sportsmanship.

Thunder also encourages players to succeed in the classroom and all aspects of life.

For information visit www.jointhunder.com

Registration is open.

Email contact@jointhunder.com or call 786-505-5585.

Miami Lady Express basketball

The Miami Lady Express girls’ basketball team needs funding to continue competing in tournaments throughout the United States. The coaches volunteered to train the girls, giving them something positive to do, and the parents have been raising funds.

Travel costs, food, tournament fees and lodging are very expensive for these girls. They practice at the Keys Gate Gym in Florida City and South Dade High School, where their coaches teach. Contact Coach Larry Hicks at 786-301-2577.

Tamiami basketball

Tamiami youth basketball registration is open for girls and boys ages 5 to 16.

Email Tamiamibasketball@gmail.com or call 305 -273-1145.

Tennis

USTA Florida and the USTA Florida Section Foundation announced a landmark three-way agreement with Special Olympics Florida to provide more tennis playing opportunities to athletes in Florida.

The formal agreement builds on the existing support that USTA Florida and its charitable arm have provided to local Special Olympics programs by offering free 10 and Under Tennis workshops, grants and other resources to providers that offer tennis programs to Special Olympics athletes.

Likewise, Special Olympics Florida will encourage their athletes to participate in USTA Florida programs and events.

To get a program started, Special Olympics coaches may apply for a USTA Florida Section Foundation equipment grant for adaptive tennis equipment and other program needs by contacting Jessica Flynn at Special Olympics Florida.

For additional training opportunities and training resources, contact Linda Curtis at the USTA Florida Section Foundation at www.USTAFloridaFoundation.com.

Tennis classes, programs

Tennis classes and programs for all ages are at the Penny Sugarman Tennis Center at Sans Souci, 1795 Sans Souci Blvd., North Miami. Call for information on group lessons, annual passes, court rates and private lessons. Tennis pro is Ross Dubins. Call 305-893-7130.

Marlins Tours

The Miami Marlins offer behind-the-scenes tours of Marlins Park. The tours are open to the public on non-event days for $10 per person.

The tour includes visits to the field (behind home plate), home clubhouse, home batting cage area and Diamond Club, Promenade Level featuring the art in the facility, the bobblehead museum and the premium areas, including the suites.

Tours operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, except when the Marlins play at home or when other major events are scheduled at Marlins Park. Group tours of 10 to 25 people are available by appointment.

For more information, fans can call 1-877-MARLINS or e-mail tours@marlins.com. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket windows on Felo Ramirez Drive (Northwest Sixth Street between 14th and 15th avenues) and are for the time and date specified.

Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.

HOF baseball

Hall Of Fame Baseball is sponsoring travel baseball teams for 11-12, 13-14, 15-18 (high school) players.

Hall Of Fame Coach Rich Hofman and his staff will coach the teams, which will practice and play in tournaments and leagues. Register for a tryout at www.hofball.net or call David Hofman at 954-804-5600 or Ed Tisdale at 803-463-2591.

Youth Rugby South Miami

The Miami Rugby Youth Division, for boys ages 6-18, practices from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays at Murray Park and Wednesdays at Palmer Park, 6120 SW 67th Ave., South Miami. Call 305-400-0134, ext. 101.

Visit www.miamirugbykids.com.

Soccer 5 Academy

Soccer 5 Academy Mini Soccer Program, also referred to as small-sided soccer, is at three Miami-Dade County-owned parks — Tropical Park (7900 Bird Rd.), Kendall Soccer Park (8011 SW 127th Ave.) and Amelia Earhart Park (401 E. 65th St., Hialeah).

Headed by Soccer 5’s Director of Coaching Development Alan Georgeson, who has more than 15 years of experience in Europe in mini/small-sided soccer, kids 3 to 12 years old will learn the history of mini soccer, the basics of how to play, reasons why mini soccer is the preferred form of soccer for kids, youth and even adults, and will have the opportunity to play in “3v3” to “7v7” matches.

The three locations make mini/small-sided soccer available across the county, providing a greater opportunity for children and families to access the proper 4G turf game fields specifically designed for “5v5,” “6v6” and “7v7” games.

With smaller fields, mini soccer is much easier for young children or children who have never played. In addition, mini soccer is designed for competition among teams with fewer players, providing more opportunity for pick-up games, as well as more opportunity to play the ball making mini soccer popular with older players, too.

For more information or to register, visit www.miamisoccer5.com.

Rebelle volleyball

Rebelle Athletics Club offers girls’ volleyball tryouts at Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School, 4949 NE Second Ave.

The volleyball club, a member of the United States Volleyball Association, is under the direction of Mandi Tate, Dee Rey and former Barry University player Kelly Dantas. They are former coaches with South Florida Volleyball Club and currently coach at the Alonzo & Tracy Mourning Senior High School Biscayne Bay Campus.

Rebelle Athletics is dedicated to providing developmental and participatory athletic sports programs beginning at the youth development level. It offers a progression of sports activities for persons of all ages, races and creeds. It strives to enhance the physical, mental and moral development of amateur athletes at all levels, promoting sportsmanship and active citizenship.

Visit www.rebelleathletics.com.

Jai-Alai

Jai-alai is open to anyone, age 10 to 80.

With a rubber ball and cestas, the amateur jai-alai facility is at 1935 NE 150th St. in North Miami, near FIU’s North Campus.

It is indoors, air-conditioned and open to all. Call Luis at 305-389-2313 or Bob at 786-556-3574.

Jai-Alai for women

Who said you have to be a male to play jai-alai? Just as females play the sport in Spain, France and Mexico, women can play it in South Florida at the amateur indoor, air-conditioned fronton at 1935 NE 150 St., North Miami, near FIU’s North Campus.

There are also leagues for males and children. Rubber or plastic balls are used with free lessons by former pros. Cestas and balls are also provided free with a nominal court fee. Open every day. Email admanUSA@aol.com or call Brucio 786-629-5428. The American Amateur Jai-Alai Academy is a not-for-profit organization.

Physically Challenged

Miami-Dade Parks welcomes children with disabilities in its youth leagues. If you need accommodations to participate, call 305-735-7847 (V/TDD).

This story was originally published April 11, 2015 at 2:26 PM with the headline "Families, seniors experience fun with smaller courts via USTA Florida initiatives at Miami Open."