Youth Sports: Fun for Miami Extreme, Jokers, Riddlers at USTA Florida Southwest Team Tennis Challenge

Three teams from Miami reached the finals during the USTA Florida Southwest Team Tennis Challenge, presented by Wilson Racquet Sports and hosted by the Barbara Manzo Tennis Center, at Three Oaks Park in Fort Myers.

14U-18U Intermediate Division: Champion: Miami Riddlers: Kara Borromeo (captain), Vanessa Tabares, Vitoria Tabares, Brett Dembrew, Aleksa Andrejevic, Victor Oliveira, Coach Leroy Pettis.

Finalist: Miami Extreme Team: Cyndi Johnston (captain), Alexis Johnston, Patrick Siu, Christopher Siu, Isabella Siu

12U-14U Intermediate Division: Finalist: Miami Jokers: Kara Borromeo (captain), Zihan Zhao, Franz Bagayas, Caitlyn Harris, Zephyr Brokaw, Jaxson Worsham, Coach Leroy Pettis.

These "BYOT" (bring your own team) events do not require previous team tennis league participation. USTA members and non-members can participate.

For information on USTA Florida Team Tennis Challenges or to see a calendar of upcoming events go to

www.ustaflorida.com/teamtennischallenges.

Kendall Hammocks football

The Kendall Hammocks Pee Wee tackle football team defeated North Miami Beach 39-12 in Miami Xtreme Youth Footbal League. The offense was led by Aiden Rodriguez, Colton Smith and Angel Orozco, scoring multiple touchdowns. The Warriors improved to 3-4.

The 100s improved to 6-1 with a 21-19 victory over Lorah Park. The offense rushed for 181 yards to help key the win.

Dylan Rodriguez scored on a 25-touchdown run, and Ryan Gonzalez added a 44-touchdown run. Trend Damon later scored on a 69-kickoff return. The defense, led by led by Ethan Morris (three pass breakups and two tackles), secured the victory .

Other scores: 115: Lorah Park 27, KH 0. 130: West Miramar 24, KH 0. 145: Lorah Park 19, KH 0.

Warriors Helping Warriors

On behalf of SPC Andrew Evan Lara (Dec. 7, 1985- April 27, 2011), who inspired the Kendall Hammocks Warriors this season to honor those who give so much for our freedom, the Kendall Hammocks Football and Cheerleading program raised $3,000 for the Wounded Warriors of South Florida.

Kendall Hammocks reps presented the check -- on behalf of the Kendall Hammocks Warriors (past and present) and in memory of Lara -- to Patrick Miller of the Wounded Warriors of South Florida.

Miller served honorably for six years in the United States Marine Corps as a sergeant with 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company. Acknowledgment to Marcus Barrios of Barrios & Associates Realty and Mike Pintado Jr. for their special contributions.

Orange Bowl Parks of Week

Now in its 16th season, the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance presented by Sports Authority visited the home parks of five teams from the Florida Youth Football League and Miami-Dade Xtreme Youth Football League in Miami-Dade and Broward counties as part of the Orange Bowl YFA Park of the Week Program.

The program recognizes select youth football parks across South Florida each Saturday during the fall to show its continued support of the community.

“I really want the communities that we visit to know our history and our purpose for being at these parks every week,” said OBC member Henri Crockett. “Personally I feel very passionate about being a part of Park of the Week because it brings great joy to me seeing kids so excited and it shows that the Orange Bowl is passionate about giving back.”

The day began at Bunche Park in Miami Gardens, home of the Miami Gardens Cowboys, the first of four FYFL teams honored. Park of the Week then traveled down the road to North Dade Optimist Club Field to acknowledge the Miami Gardens Bulldogs. The program headed north for its final three stops in Broward County. The first stop was Miramar Athletic Park, home of the East Miramar Dolphins, followed by CW Thomas Park to award the Dania Bears. The last stop of the day featured the Hollywood PAL Eagles, a member of the Miami-Dade Xtreme Youth Football League.

“I enjoy coming back to visit the parks where I grew up,” said OBC member Trellanee Moore-Adderley. “It gives me the opportunity to engage the kids, their parents, coaches, and community leaders. I want them to know that I'm from their community and I support them and I am proud of their achievements.”

At each stop during the program, Orange Bowl members, ambassadors and staff distributed promotional items and discounts from OBYFA sponsors and presented each park with a commemorative plaque.

This year’s Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance is presented by Sports Authority and supported by associate sponsors American Airlines, Doctors Hospital, Florida Prepaid College Board, FOX Sports Florida / Sun Sports, Hampton Farms, Marathon Petroleum, MetroPCS, Nike, Panter, Panter & Sampedro, Sparkling ICE, The Miami Herald, Toyota, and Wells Fargo. The OBYFA presented by Sports Authority continues to positively impact the South Florida community.

For more than 80 years, the Orange Bowl has been one of South Florida’s leading civic organizations, driving tourism and economic development, while supporting scholarships and community athletic facilities. Inspiring thousands of student athletes every year, the Orange Bowl’s activities help foster youth confidence, celebrate student achievement, engage the community and enhance the South Florida economy.

For information about the Orange Bowl Committee and the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance presented by Sports Authority visit

www.orangebowl.org.

Miami-Dade sports series

The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, as host of the county’s year round Mayor’s Cup Youth Sports Championship Series, congratulates all Miami-Dade youth who participated in the series of athletic events that occured at Miami-Dade parks, golf courses and pools this summer.

The summer events ended with a splash, as more than 175 participants from Miami-Dade County Parks swim programs, summer camps and disability services sites competed for awards in the Mayor’s Cup Swimming Championship at the Tamiami Park Aquatics Center. The event provided children with the opportunity to compete against other youth swimmers from across the county, and for most it was their first time competing in a swim meet.

The Youth Sports Championship Series is an initiative created by Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez that aims to increase participation in youth athletics for kids ages 14 and younger. The series has been touted with the 2014 National Association of Counties Achievement Award and is a finalist for the National Youth Sports Alliance Excellence Award. The winner will be announced November.

As a father, grandfather and lifetime advocate of the long-term health benefits of regular exercise for children, Mayor Gimenez knows first-hand the esteemed values developed from continuous involvement in athletics.

“We are very proud of all the youth that participated in the Mayor’s Youth Sports Championship Series sporting events this summer,” said Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “Thanks to Miami-Dade County Parks’ partnership with the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, more and more children are learning how to swim, a critical life skill that will help keep them safe and physically fit. Through organized sports, such as swimming, they can also learn good sportsmanship, leadership, fair play and respect for others, lessons which will help them be champions for life.”

Miami-Dade County Parks, through its longtime Learn-to-Swim Program, holds beginning swimming classes at pools county-wide during the summer months. Together with the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, they advocate the urgency for all youth to receive swimming lessons and water safety instruction to prevent drowning and seek to provide as many children as possible with Learn-to-Swim opportunities, no matter what their income. Since 2012, the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade has provided 2,269 Learn-to-Swim scholarships.

Swim results

Miami Country Day top athletes

Miami Country Day School: Middle School Female Athlete of the Week: Anika Boano (cross-country) finished first for the Spartans to help the junior varsity team place second at the Spanish River Invitational in Boca Raton.

Middle School Male Athlete of the Week: Jack Rodriguez (swimming) set personal bests in the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke at the FSPA Invitational in Stuart.

Upper School Female Athlete of the Week: Emma Rodriguez (swimming) was 12th in the 100 breaststroke at the FSPA Invitational in Stuart.

Upper School Male Athlete of the Week: Justin Walker (football) had 59 yards receiving, a touchdown, an interception and made four tackles in the varsity game against New Generations Academy.

Scheck Hillel top athletes

Scheck Hillel Community School named Mandi Cohen and Daniel Fiske as its Student Athletes of the Week.

Cohen, a junior, placed 24th of 50 girls in the Miami Country Day hosted cross-country meet at Greynolds Park. She had a 3.1-mile time of 28 minutes 16 seconds. A team captain, she proved her leadership by being an excellent support system for the team and going out of her way to help her teammates—younger and older.

Fiske, a junior, is a member of the Lions’ varsity football team, improving greatly the past few weeks. Before tearing his ACL against Ransom Everglades, he made three catches for 91 yards, and on defense, he recorded four tackles.

Highland Oaks cross-country

The Highland Oaks Middle School girls’ JV cross-country team opened its season by placing second of 11 teams at the Ferguson Invitational at Larry and Penny Thompson Park in Miami.

Of 102 runners, three Highland Oaks runners finished the 2.1-mile course in the Top 10. Sasha Lespinase-Casimir (fourth, 16 minutes 23 seconds), team captain Vashti Claybrook (fifth, 16:44), and Destiny Desrivieres (eighth, 17:05) led the way. Kayla Yuengling was also outstanding by placing 22 in 18:28 . The varsity girls were represented by Giuliana Moreno, who ran 71 of 121 runners in 22:16.

The JV boys were lead by Markus Bermudez, who covered the course in 14:38, ninth of 131 runners. Kevin Cam ran for the varsity boys in 17:39.

Michigan swimming

The Big Ten Conference named Miami’s Clara Smiddy, a swimmer for the University of Michigan, the league's Freshman of the Week following a breakout debut performance against Iowa and Nebraska.

Smiddy contributed two individual event wins and assisted in two relay wins as the Wolverines toppled the Hawkeyes and the Cornhuskers to start the season 2-0, 2-0 B1G.

The freshman swept the backstrokes, claiming victory in the 100 and 200. Her times in both events -- 54.40 in the 100 and 1:55.99 in the 200 -- qualify as NCAA provisional standards. She also finished each race more than a second in front of the second-place finisher; she was 1.18 seconds faster in the 100-yard backstroke and 2.03 seconds faster in the 200.

In the relays, Smiddy swam the opening leg in the the 200-yard medley relay and the 400-yard freestyle relay. In each event, she established leads that the Wolverines never relinquished.

Prior, Smiddy swam for Aquakids Sharks and Gulliver Preparatory School in Miami.

Barry golf

The Barry University men’s golf team won its first tournament of the season, shooting 19-under 845 in Nova Southeastern’s Guy Harvey Invitational at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens.

The Bucs’ team score set the tournament record.

Barry junior Nico Cavero, a Ronald Reagan High School alum, helped set that mark by tying for seventh at 215 after shooting par in the final round.

Barry is the No. 1-ranked team in NCAA Division II.

Scheck Hillel sports

Scheck Hillel Community School is putting the final touches on its athletic complex, the first phase of the early childhood through grade 12 Jewish school’s $22-million campus expansion project.

The highly anticipated athletic complex features a regulation-size field covered in synthetic turf for tackle football, soccer and lacrosse in addition to a softball diamond, all equipped with digital display boards and an advanced sound system. The new gymnasium features regulation-size basketball and volleyball courts, a weight and fitness room, locker rooms for men and women, a concession area and multi-use event spaces.

The school will have facilities adequate to host everything from local games and school events to regional and national tournaments to community gatherings.

Suniland flag football

Suniland Optimist Club Sundevils Fall NFL Flag Football is for boys and girls, for age 5-15. Under new management, registration is open now until Nov. 1. Fee is $125 for the season that runs thru December.

There is a 10-game season, and all teams make the playoffs in Recreational and Top Gun divisions. Full Teams or individual players can sign up. All games and practices are at Suniland Park. Registration every weeknight from 6-8 p.m. at Suniland Park, 12855 S. Dixie Hwy., Pinecrest.

For information contact Flag Football Commissioner Ken Hanna at 305-992-2991 or by e-mail at kenhanna412@gmail.com or Club President Jose A. Regalado at 305-458-1966 or by e-mail josearegalado@att.net.

Visit www.sunilandsundevils.org

North Miami Beach baseball

North Miami Beach Little League baseball registration for girls and boys, age 4-14, is 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at Ives Estates Park.

There is a $40 discount through Oct. 20. Register online now to get the discount code

For info and to register www.NMBLL.org.

Suniland basketball

Suniland Optimist Club Fall Basketball is for boys and girls, age 6-16. Under new management, registration is open now thru Nov. 1. Fee is $160 for the season that runs thru January.

Games will be played on weekdays and weekends. Full teams or individual players can sign up. Registration every weekday during the day at the Park Office or every weeknight from 6-8 p.m. at the Optimist Office at Suniland Park, 12855 S. Dixie Hwy., Pinecrest.

For information contact the Basketball Commissioner Sammy Hernandez at 786-203-8671 or e-mail sammysfullcourtprep@gmail.com or Club President Jose A. Regalado at 305-458-1966 or e-mail josearegalado@att.net.

Visit www.sunilandsundevils.org

Basketball

The Maccabi Haifa professional basketball team, the 2013-14 Israeli Super League runner-up, announced the team will participate in a four-team NBA exhibition tour in North America, becoming only the second international team ever to play four NBA teams in the same trip.

Maccabi Haifa will face the Washington Wizards on Oct. 15 at the Verizon Center, the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 17 at the Moda Center, the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 18 at the Sleep Train Arena, and the Toronto Raptors on Oct. 22 at the Air Canada Centre.

Maccabi Haifa’s trip to the United States will mark the fourth time in five years the team will travel to North America to play against NBA competition. In three trips to the United States, Maccabi Haifa has faced six NBA opponents (New Jersey Nets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies). At the conclusion of the North American tour, Maccabi Haifa will rank second all-time among international basketball teams in games played (10) against NBA opponents.

Maccabi Haifa has a long and storied legacy as it was one of the original eight teams to form the Israeli Premier League for the 1954 season. Under the ownership of Aventura businessman Jeffrey Rosen, Maccabi Haifa won its first Israeli League championship in the franchise’s 60-year history during the 2012-13 season and were an Israeli League Finalist in the 2013-14 season.

Maccabi Haifa’s charity program, “Haifa Hoops for Kids”, a joint initiative between Maccabi Haifa and the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey, has hosted more than 20,000 underprivileged and special needs children in Israel at Maccabi Haifa home games. The team will hold charity basketball clinics for children in each city during the NBA preseason tour.

“Maccabi Haifa is proud to continue our tradition of playing against NBA opponents, as our fan base in North America is one of the largest among all international basketball teams,” said Maccabi Haifa Owner Jeff Rosen. “We are thrilled to be competing against the Washington Wizards, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and the Toronto Raptors.”

For information about Maccabi Haifa, visit www.mhbasket.co.il.

Scuba

Children, adults and veterans with disabilities will have an opportunity to escape gravity for a brief time and discover the weightless world of scuba diving, as part of the free “Diveheart Scuba Experience” on Oct. 25 at AD Barnes Pool, 3401 SW 72 Ave., Miami.

The event is being presented by the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department’s Disability Services Division in partnership with the Diveheart Foundation and Ortho Pro Associates. The event will include scuba demonstrations, rides on a mechanical dolphin and on-site registration for the Diveheart Scuba Experience scuba diving classes.

Individuals must be at least 10-years-old to participate in the scuba diving sessions. Participants will receive an introduction to scuba diving and scuba equipment. All scuba gear will be provided. Pre-registration is required, as each participant is paired with a certified dive instructor and volunteer.

For information, contact Terri Bukacheski at 305-598-9688 or terri@orthoproassociates.com.

Soccer

The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, as host of Miami-Dade County’s year round Mayor’s Cup Youth Sports Championship Series fostering sports development activities for local youth, announces sponsorship, partnership and volunteer opportunities for the popular Miami Soccer Festival returning to Kendall Soccer Park, Nov. 1-2.

This is the fourth year for this two-day signature event, which features consecutive FYSA-sanctioned tournaments for boys and girls, age 12 and younger, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and free admission for spectators. More than 2,000 people of all ages are expected to watch the tournaments and enjoy the festivities that include entertainment, music, food vendors, a soccer retail village, soccer tricks, juggling demonstrations.

As a father, grandfather and lifetime advocate of the long-term health benefits of regular exercise for children, Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez knows first-hand the esteemed values developed from continuous involvement in athletics.

“The Mayor’s Youth Sports Championship Series allows our youth to learn the value of how working together can build character through organized sporting events,” Mayor Gimenez said in a release. “These lessons on the field, the resilience and leadership skills, combined with teamwork can then be used off the field for future success in life. This is why I ask local businesses and organizations to join us in our commitment to make youth sports available for all children in our community.”

Teams will participate in three elimination games – two on Nov. 1 and one Nov. 2. The finals will follow. Team registration costs are between $70 for younger teams (U5) and $170 for older teams (U12).

For information on the Miami Soccer Festival, visit www.miamisoccerfestival.org

or contact Scott Georgeson at 305-965-9855 or scott.georgeson@soccer5usa.com.

To become a sponsor, partner or volunteer, contact Alan Georgeson at 305-393-5230 or

alan.georgeson@constructive4.com.

Senior Games

Amateur athletes, age 50 and older, can register for the 2014 Florida International Senior Games & State Championships which are Dec. 6-14 in Lee County and Cape Coral.

Visit https://events.clearthunder.com/FSG2014 to register.

The event is a qualifier for the 2015 National Senior Games in Minneapolis/St. Paul/Bloomington, Minn. in the summer 2015.

Entry fees begin at $11 per event and vary by sport. Sports with multiple events carry additional charges per event. Team sports have a team entry fee. The deadline for online registration is Nov. 21.

The state championships feature 24 sports and events over nine days of competition. Some sports and events require a qualifying performance at a local Senior Games to participate at the state championships. Those sports include; 3-on-3 basketball, basketball shooting, bowling, cycling, golf, horseshoes, pickleball, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis, tennis and track & field.

Sports that are open to all athletes without a qualifying performance at a local Senior Games include archery, bag toss, billiards, bocce, croquet, fencing, powerlifting, power walk, race walk, racquetball, road race (5K and 10K) and volleyball.

For information about the 2014 Florida International Senior Games & State Championships, visit

www.flasports.com or call toll-free 1-866-FLGAMES (354-2637).

Football

The FBU National Championship kicks off Dec. 6 at 16 venues across America, with the winners advancing to round 2 on Dec. 7.

The structure of the Football University National Championship is a combination of the Little League World Series and the NCAA March Madness. The single-elimination tournament, features 192-region-based teams (64-teams in each age bracket – 6th, 7th and 8th grade) comprised of the top 30 all-star athletes from their area who had to try out to earn a roster spot.

The first four rounds will occur at regional sites, with the semifinals and championship weekend Dec. 20-21 in Naples for the final four teams in each age bracket.

Miami-Dade County youth athletes have been given the extraordinary honor of participating in the tournament beginning Dec. 6. Sixth graders, seventh graders, and eighth graders were selected to play for the FBU Miami-Dade County Team in each of their grade levels. Each team, comprised of top football players from through the county, will be competing in full contact football games with the ultimate goal of advancing to the championship in Naples.

The Miami-Dade County team, led by State Director Damian Sosa, will begin the tournament on Dec. 6 in West Palm Beach.

This year’s tournament marks the fourth year of the biggest youth football event to date, with 192 teams nationwide, including more than 250 games, 6,000 athletes and 1,200 coaches. The tournament will showcase 250 games through a three-week period, resulting in more than 1,000 hours of play.

Visit www.fbunc.com

Football

The fifth annual National Bowl, featuring some of the best FCS (NCAA Division I-AA) players in the country, is Dec 5-7 at Florida International University at Alfonso Field at FIU Stadium in Miami.

Representatives from 10 Nteams attended in 2013, and NFilms distributed game film to teams. Fifteen players in the past two years participated in Ncamps, seven in 2013.

NATIONALBOWL.ORG

FCSBOWL.COM

Park upgrade

The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department and Miami-Dade County District 13 Commissioner Esteban Bovo, Jr., announce the completion of new amenities at the 20-acre Norman and Jean Reach Park, 7901 NW 176 St., Miami.

The improvements include a new six-foot perimeter asphalt walkway with wayside shaded benches, expanded concrete patio space around the recreation center and concession building, and a new portable bleacher.

Miami-Dade County and The School Board of Miami-Dade County have entered into agreements to provide for the joint use of their respectively owned public properties for recreational purposes. Palm Springs North Elementary School is adjacent to the park, and the walking path will be built on both properties to provide a safe route for walking activities. This project was made possible with the assistance of Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, the School Board and the School Board Chair, Perla Taberas Hantman, District 4, where Palm Springs North Elementary School is located.

“Amenities such as these will provide residents and visitors with more opportunities to enjoy nature and recreation at Norman and Jean Reach Park,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “I want to thank the Parks Department for its great work in helping us build a healthier and more livable community.”

Commissioner Bovo said: “I am very pleased to see this completed development at Norman and Jean Reach Park. I highly encourage neighbors to come out for a walk in the park and to take full advantage of these improved recreational spaces.”

Miami-Dade County Parks Director Jack Kardys added: “Norman and Jean Reach Park offers active recreation for people of all ages. These new amenities have enhanced this beautiful park and all that it has to offer.”

Miami-Dade County Parks completed this project together with Sagua Construction Inc. Funding of $154,000 was provided by the Quality Neighborhood Improvement Program (QNIP), Capital Outlay Reserve Funds (CORF), Impact Fees, and the Miami-Dade County District 13 Commission Office.

Norman and Jean Reach Park also contains two-lighted basketball courts, four-lighted softball fields, two-tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a picnic shelter.

For directions and information about the recreational facilities and programs offered at this park

visit www.miamidade.gov or call 305-823-2414.

Crandon Park

Crandon Park Marina at 4000 Crandon Boulevard in Key Biscayne has undergone a major facelift, which includes new charter boat docks, a new seawall and new state-of-the-art marina amenities that offer better access and security for boaters.

The new development is the result of an extensive shoreline restoration effort led by the Florida Inland Navigation District, the state’s sponsor of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

“The improvements to Crandon Marina have preserved a vital Miami-Dade County waterfront treasure and served to enhance the Marina as a world-class boating destination for visitors and residents,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “We commend the Parks Department for their collaborations and shared vision, which is helping us to restore and beautify the recreational treasures of our community.”

As part of the marina restoration project, a total of 515 linear feet of existing concrete seawall (built circa 1950) was replaced with a newly designed ‘sheet pile seawall’ that consists of deep in ground galvanized steel piles encased in concrete. A new five-foot-wide cap was installed atop the new seawall, which added three more feet of boardwalk.

The charter boat area received new fender and mooring piles, a new concrete walk with integrated light bollards and planters, and 10 new boat slips, each with its own new power/water pedestal and fish-cleaning station. The two original scales used for weighing-in fish were renovated and reinstalled on the docks, for a touch of nostalgia. There is also a new transient boat slip just south of the site.

The marina restorations were completed through the collaborative efforts of FIND, working with Neville/Steffens Architects LLP; Ports and Coastal Engineering Practice - Atkins; SDM Consulting Engineers, Inc.; and Construction Contractors - Shoreline Foundation, Inc.

Miami-Dade County District 7 Commissioner Xavier Suarez said: “We are happy to provide this boating community with a fresher and new looking marina. This renewed facility is more accessible than ever, easier to use and will continue to meet the recreational needs of boaters for many years to come.”

The marina has also added a new entrance and several new security features, such as eight-foot-high fencing around the perimeter and dry boat storage and wet slip areas, electronic gates that open and close via a key card, and non-motorized pedestrian gates that allow for emergency or occasional egress. The dry boat storage area also has new inside lighting fixtures and new HD security cameras and lamp posts for its parking lot.

All parking areas were re-surfaced and re-striped and have new wheel stops and traffic signage. The grounds have a new automatic irrigation system and new landscaping throughout that includes Emerald sod (a top golf course turf known as Zoysia) and an assortment of native trees, such as Palms, Oaks, Royal Poincianas, and Gumbo Limbos. There are also new concrete walkways throughout the site, creating a seamless connection to marina facilities.

Miami-Dade County Parks worked in conjunction with KVH Architects, Laura Llerena and Associates, Inc., and ABC Construction, Inc. to complete the improvements.

Miami-Dade County Parks Department Director Jack Kardys added: “Miami-Dade Parks is committed to meeting the needs of the boaters that use our marina facilities. These enhancements will enable us to provide the boating public with a better overall boating experience.”

The total cost for the marina restorations and improvements was $8,060,000. Funding was provided by the Building Better Communities General Obligation Bond Program, Capital Outlay Reserve Funds, FIND, and the Marina Capital Improvements Fund.

Crandon Park Marina is near some of the most spectacular fishing and diving opportunities in the United States. The marina features a dock master complex with a bait-and-tackle and shower and laundry facilities, 425 wet slips, 10 commercial slips, moorings, and dry dock storage. Boat rentals and charter fishing excursions are available.

The facility is conveniently situated on the Intercoastal Waterway (at Mile Marker 73) and nearby Miami-Dade Parks’ Crandon Park Beach, Crandon Park Golf Course and the Crandon Park Tennis Center.

For information about Crandon Park Marina, call 305-361-1281, or visit www.miamidade.gov/parks.

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.

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.

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 October 12, 2014 at 7:52 PM with the headline "Youth Sports: Fun for Miami Extreme, Jokers, Riddlers at USTA Florida Southwest Team Tennis Challenge."