Youth Sports: Mater Academy football wins inaugural Commissioners Cup

Mater Academy’s football team defeated Westland Hialeah High School to win the inaugural “Commissioners Cup” at Traz Powell Stadium.

The 43-0 victory earned the Lions a trophy presented by Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, who represents District 12 where Mater Academy is located. Commissioner Diaz sponsored the game along with Commissioner Esteban Bovo Jr. of District 13, which includes Westland Hialeah High.

Each commissioner also presented a $1,000 check to his respective school’s athletic department.

“I’m thrilled my team captured the Commissioners Cup, but I also want to congratulate Westland Hialeah’s Wildcats and Commissioner Bovo for their excellent sportsmanship,” Commissioner Diaz said. “We all had a great time, and this friendly competition gave both schools a big boost. In my book, everybody is a winner.”

Kendall football

The Kendall Hammocks Warriors 100s improved to 8-1 with a 22-16 victory over the Kendall Boys & Girls Club in overtime.

On the final play of overtime, quarterback Bryan Jacobson threw a winning touchdown pass to Edgar Aguilar. Bryon Jacobson was 2 for 2 in PAT conversions. The offense rushed for 142 yards, led by Sebastian Borges (65 yards rushing) and Keylon Lenos (48-yard touchdown run).

Trend Damon highlighted the defense with six tackles, and Dylan Puentes made two sacks.

The Kendall Hammocks Pee Wees defeated the Miami Springs Hawks 32-13.

Offensive linemen Davis Godrich, Darren McGuire, Ray Lopez, Alex Thomas and Reyes Herrera keyed the offense. Their outstanding performance allowed Colton Smith, Aiden Rodriguez, Ryan Ramirez and Angel Orozco to score touchdowns. The Warriors are 5-3.

In other action: 85s: Kendal Boys & Girls Club 12, KH 6. 115s: KBG 42, KH 25. 130s: South Miami 22, KH 0. 145s: KBG 32, KH 0.

Orange Bowl Parks of Week

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

It marked the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Players, cheerleaders, coaches, and parents from the five parks participated, sporting anything from pink socks and arm bands, to pink shirts and hats.

The OBYFA Park of the Week program recognizes select youth football parks across South Florida each Saturday during the fall to show its continued support of the community. The Orange Bowl Committee has been sponsoring youth football across South Florida for 16 years

The day began at Doral Meadows Park, home of the Doral Broncos of the Miami Xtreme Youth Football League. Park of the Week then traveled to Prince Field to honor the Miami Springs Hawks also of the Miami Xtreme Youth Football League. The program headed down the road to West Little River Park in Miami Beach to honor the Northside Panthers of the Florida Youth Football League. Park of the Week then visited Holiday Park and Deerfield Beach High School in Broward County to honor the Fort Lauderdale Falcons and the Deerfield Packer-Rattlers, both of the FYFL.

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.

Palmer Trinity volleyball

The Palmer Trinity School girls’ varsity volleyball team was runner-up at the Mustang Invitational Tournament in St. Petersburg.

Palmer Trinity defeated Tampa Bay HEAT, Northeast High School, Orangewood Christian School, and Seffner Christian Academy en route to the finals. Northside Christian School handed the Falcons their only tournament loss in the finals.

Palmer Trinity senior Kristen Fernandez and sophomore teammate Ashley Quero were named All Tournament.

Palmer Trinity cross-country

The Palmer Trinity middle school and high school cross-country teams had an outstanding showing at the Florida Runners Invitational in Titusville.

In the high school division, Falcons freshman Duncan Stoner ran a season best 18 minutes 21 seconds, placing 14 of 230 runners. Nicolas Balarezo posted a personal best, improving by 35 seconds. The boys’ team was 12 of 29 schools (Class 1A-2A). Senior Janelle Gonzalez ran a season best, finishing 35 of 197 female participants.

In the middle school division, Falcons eighth grader Nicolas Rey had a season best, placing 20 of 128 runners, and Sebastian Lopez ran a season best, finishing 50. Eighth grader Julia Irvin had a superb performance finishing 17 of 94 female runners. Seventh grader Patricia Amo also had a solid performance, placing second on the team and 50 overall.

About Palmer Trinity School

Palmer Trinity School—a coeducational, Episcopal day school—provides a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that integrates knowledge, compassion and social responsibility, an essential goal of the school’s mission. Palmer Trinity School serves students from a broad range of socio-economic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds in grades 6-12.

For information about the school, visit www.palmertrinity.org.

To follow Palmer Trinity School on Facebook, click here.

Miami Country Day top athletes

Miami Country Day School: Middle School Female Athlete of the Week: Eva Sirlin (volleyball) combined for 25 service points, 11 aces and 13 kills in wins against Gulliver, Dade Christian and Sagemont.

Middle School Male Athlete of the Week: Ricky Stamatis (swimming) finished first in the 100 individual medley and first in the 100 freestyle as the Spartans beat Belen.

Upper School Female Athlete of the Week: Amelia Gregorio (swimming) won the 200 and 500 freestyle races in a meet against Lourdes.

Upper School Male Athlete of the Week: Lorenzo Figueroa (golf) shot his career best 38 against LaSalle and an 83 in the Archbishop McCarthy Invitational.

Spartan Super Fan: Elizabeth Whittington (Upper School English Teacher).

Scheck Hillel top athletes

Scheck Hillel Community School named cross-country standouts Cesar Ades and Taylor Ginsberg as Student-Athletes of the Week.

Ades, a first-year runner, has consistently placed in the top five of the high school varsity team as a seventh grader. He picked up the concepts of cross-country very quickly and pushes himself hard. He continues to develop more and more for the sport and is a great asset to the team. His average time is 23 minutes 30 seconds for a 5K (3.1 miles).

Ginsberg, a senior on the girls’ team, is also a newbie to the program and is one of the most honest, dedicated athletes. Since day one, Ginsberg has really given her all to the sport and her teammates. She has made every practice and every meet, even when she was really sick to support her teammates.

During the last meet her coach pushed her harder than she had ever been pushed before, and she thrived with confidence by pulling away from a girl by more than seven steps down the stretch. She proved herself to be a motivated athlete and important team member.

Gulliver Prep sports

Gulliver announces that four of its former athletes and a tennis coach will be inducted into the school’s 2014 Athletic Hall of Fame. To celebrate, the school will host an Induction Ceremony 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at Gulliver's Preparatory School campus, 6575 N. Kendall Dr., Pinecrest.

Three-sport athlete Shundra Colzie '99, who won more than 400 games and matches, will be joined in the Hall of Fame by tennis coach Kelly Mulligan, who added 15 state titles to Gulliver's tennis record, as well as track and field athlete Bryan Sharkey '05, who is the first and only person to win the 800-1600-3200-meter races at the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair Track Championships. Multi-sport player Matt Sullivan '88 and record-setting swimmer Paul Wallace '84 will also be inducted.

With more than three decades of athletic heritage to celebrate, it is with great pride that Gulliver formed the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010. Spearheaded by the athletic department and the alumni association, the Hall was established to permanently recognize and honor coaches, administrators, student athletes, athletic teams, and friends of the athletic program of Gulliver who have made significant contributions to the advancement and reputation of the athletic program while demonstrating a high degree of sportsmanship, leadership, and character.

Nominations are accepted year-round; however, nominations must be received by Jan. 1 of the year that the induction ceremony is being held for consideration in that year’s induction class.

Induction ceremonies are held bi-annually on years ending in even numbers (i.e. 2014, 2016, 2018, etc.).

The 2014 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees are:

SHUNDRA COLZIE '99

Shundra began her Gulliver Prep athletic career as a seventh grader while attending Gulliver Academy. She played basketball and softball from grades 7 through 12, and volleyball throughout high school, at the varsity level. As a result, she earned 16 varsity letters. She also earned spots on 14 Miami-Herald All-Dade First Teams. Shundra was a member of three athletic teams that together won some 400 games and matches, and was named the Miami-Dade Athlete of the Year in 1998 and 1999. After graduating from Gulliver Prep in 1999, Shundra attended Santa Fe State College for two years on a softball scholarship. In 2001, she received a softball scholarship to Florida State University, where she graduated in 2003 with a major in elementary education.

COACH KELLY MULLIGAN

For more than 30 years, Coach Kelly Mulligan has been the heart and soul of Gulliver Tennis. During her tenure, the boys' team advanced for the first time to the state championship tournament in 1984, and the girls' team did so in 1985. Although the 1980s didn't see any tennis state championships, in 1994, Kelly coached the girls' team to Gulliver's first tennis state championship. In 1997, her team won Gulliver's second state championship. The new millennium brought in many more titles. Kelly coached the girls' team to state titles in 2006, 2007, 2013 and 2014. The boys' team won its first team title in 2003, won the title again in 2005 and went on to a five-year winning streak from 2007-2011. Back-to-back state boys' tennis titles in 2013 and 2014 brought Gulliver's total state titles under Coach Mulligan to 15. She has received numerous Tennis Coach of the Year awards, from The Miami Herald, the Florida Dairy Farmers and National Federation of State High School Associations Coaches Association. One of her career highlights came in 2011, when the National High School Coaches Association named her its Boys' Tennis National Coach of the Year.

BRYAN SHARKEY '05

Bryan began competing for the Gulliver Prep Track Team in seventh grade, and holds school records in the 1,600-meter, 3,200-meter, 5-kilometer, half marathon, and 4x800-meter relay. He was a two-time state champion in the 4x800, undefeated cross-country team state champion in 2001 and was the first person (and still the only person) to win the 800-1600-3200-meter triple at the Miami-Dade County track championships. Bryan was the first individual runner to ever be named to first team All-Dade Cross-Country team all four years of high school. The Miami Herald named him cross-country and track and field distance runner of the year twice, and in 2005, he earned the title of Gulliver Athlete of the Year. He was named the 2004-2005 Miami-Dade County Athlete of the Year. Following his success at Gulliver, Bryan attended Princeton University, where he was a four-time Ivy League cross-country varsity runner. In 2007, he competed in the pre-Olympic international track competition in China. In 2013 alone, he had 25 first place victories. Bryan continues to run professionally; his personal best finish was first place at the 2013 Palm Beach Marathon.

MATT SULLIVAN '88

During his four years at Gulliver, Matt lettered in three sports - football, soccer and baseball. In football, he was a running back, defensive back and kicker for the 1987 state-ranked football team. As a senior, he gained more than 1,500 all-purpose yards and was named first team All-County and second team All-State by The Miami Herald. In soccer, he was Miami-Dade County's leading scorer, with 29 goals his junior year, and earned first team All-County and first team All-State honors. As a senior, Matt led his team to a second consecutive district title and again earned All-County and All-State honors. In baseball, he was a two-year starter at third base for the state-ranked Raiders. Matt went on to play college football at Ithaca College, where he started four years as the team's placekicker. He set numerous school records, including longest field goal (50 yards), most field goals in a season and career and most points scored in a season. In 1992, Matt graduated as a two-time National Champion (1988 and 1991) and was the school's all-time leading scorer with 254 points.

PAUL WALLACE '84

Paul Wallace was a member of the Gulliver Swim Team throughout his high school career, and was named first team All-Dade and All-State, for four consecutive years. He was also Miami-Dade Swimmer of the Year in 1982, 1983 and 1984, and set two state records for 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard breaststroke in 1983. Paul, a swimming state runner-up all four years of high school, also won seven individual state titles. At the University of Florida, he earned All-American Honors from 1985 through 1988, was named an Academic All-American in 1985 and was named SEC Swimmer of the Year in 1986. He won the World Swimming Championships gold medal in 4x100 freestyle relay in Spain, and set a record in the same category at the Pan Pacific Games in Japan. He also earned two gold medals at the U.S. Open Swimming Championships, and earned a silver medal in the 200-meter individual medley at the 1987 Pan Am Games.

Tickets to the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony are $75 per person and tables of 10 are available for $1,000.

To be a sponsor, to order tickets and/or place a tribute message in the event program, call 786-709-4073 or visit

www.gulliverschools.org/halloffame.

About Gulliver Schools

Gulliver Schools is a 501(c)(3) private, non-profit, independent, coeducational, nonsectarian day school with the mission of providing a superior, personalized college-preparatory education fostering well-rounded, successful, lifelong learners. Gulliver is committed to developing the unique gifts and talents of each student in a nurturing environment that promotes academic excellence, innovation, global understanding and character. For more information about Gulliver, visit

www.gulliverschools.org.

Tennis

USTA Florida and the Central Florida Tennis Officials Association announced the 2014 USTA Florida Bobby Curtis State Doubles Tennis Championships Sportsmanship Award recipients for the boys’ and girls’ divisions, age 10-18.

In girls’ 16s, Naiya Oden of Miami was the sportsmanship winner.

The 2014 USTA Florida Bobby Curtis State Doubles Tennis Championships were at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs (18s-16s age divisions) and at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach (14s-10s divisions).

More than 70 nominations were received for consideration for selection by the tournament officials committee.

“These players were nominated by several officials and received numerous accolades for their displays of sportsmanship,” said Tournament Director (18s-16s divisions) Brian Morrissey. “They are excellent role models for other junior players and ambassadors for the game of tennis.”

For information or to see division champions from the event go to

www.florida.usta.com/news/big_names_among_winners_at_66th_florida_jr_state_tennis_doubles111.

Kendall Hammocks baseball

The Kendall Hammocks Optimist Baseball program announces the registrations dates and times for the Spring season.

For registration, a copy of the birth certificate is required for new players and is for age verification only

Space will be limited in divisions 6U Coach Pitch, 8U Coach Pitch, 10U, 12U, 14U.

Register (in person) 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at Devonaire Park, 10411 SW 122 Ave., 33186.

Fee: $190 with uniforms and $160 without uniforms.

Opening Day is Jan. 10.

For added information email khobaseball@aol.com or visit www.khobaseball.org

The KHO Baseball program is under the Optimist Club of Kendall Hammocks and is an all-volunteer organization.

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

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.

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.

Tennis

Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School in Miami received national USTA Facility Funding in September for tennis court restorations or improvements.

The school received $5,000 in USTA Facility Funding for six benches and aluminum bleachers to complete the resurfacing project of five existing 78-foot tennis courts.

“A goal of the USTA Facility Funding grant is to provide communities access to safe, appealing and functional tennis environments,” says USTA Senior Director, Market Development & Collegiate Tennis, Virgil Christian. “The essence of this initiative is to assist communities, leveraging their tennis facilities to promote lifelong healthy activity, and to improve their programming by advancing the latest tennis innovations for all program types.”

For information go to www.usta.com.

For information on USTA national grants go to

www.usta.com/About-USTA/USTA-Awards/grants.

For information on USTA Florida Section grants go to

www.ustafloridafoundation.com/apply-for-grant.

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.

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).

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.

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

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 19, 2014 at 2:49 AM with the headline "Youth Sports: Mater Academy football wins inaugural Commissioners Cup."