Doral under-14 girls second at Disney Field Hockey Showcase
The Doral under-14 girls’ field hockey team was second of 64 teams during the Disney Field Hockey Showcase at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista.
They went 7-2, outscoring opponents 21-8.
After dropping the opener to Spirit of USA Black 2-0, Doral bounced back with seven consecutive victories, beating Finger Lakes 6-0, Seacoast United Gold 2-0, H2O Pink 2-1, FH life express 4-0, Baltimore 2-1, TNT 3-1, and Tcoyotes 1-0. Gateway ended the streak, 3-1.
The runners-up are Valentina Kunzendorf, Rocío Barletti, Milena Isturiz, Candela Barletti, Juana Calvo, Emily Franco, Catalina Ferrari, Sophia Frugoni, Federica Isuani, Viviana Falo, Josefina Calvo and Luciana Díaz. The coach is Gabriela Cappanela, and the assistant coaches are Patricio Quinn and Macarena Díaz Varela.
Doral Field Hockey will receive recognition from the City of Doral.
Tennis
Miami’s Gonzales Austin, a senior at Vanderbilt University, is part of a group of top American collegiate players selected to play in the second annual American Collegiate Invitational at the 2015 US Open from Sept. 10-12 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y.
Austin, a 2011 graduate of Ransom Everglades High School, is majoring in economics and political science.
The American Collegiate Invitational, open only to American college players, began last year as a way to spotlight college tennis during the US Open. Eight men and eight women will again play single-elimination singles tournaments Thursday to Saturday during the second week of the US Open, with the winners receiving a wild card into the 2016 US Open, main draw or qualifying, depending on their ranking next summer.
The men’s/women’s American Collegiate Invitational champions will receive main draw wild card entries into the 2016 US Open if either is ranked No.120 or better by the US Open entry deadline next summer. Otherwise, the winners will receive qualifying wild cards. The champions will also get wild cards into two USTA Pro Circuit events, and each runner-up will get one.
“It is important that college tennis continue to be a part of the US Open,” US Open Tournament Director David Brewer said in a release. “We are excited to once again feature a high level of competition between some very talented players with the American Collegiate Invitational.”
For more info go to
More tennis
USTA Florida is bringing tennis to Miami parks through a new partnership with the City of Miami as part of the USTA Florida Section’s Diversity Outreach initiative in 2015. The initiative is designed to bring programming to diverse populations and provide the opportunity to learn and play the sport of tennis for a lifetime.
As part of the partnership, the USTA Florida Foundation has provided an equipment grant to the city for $5,606 to be distributed among 16 parks. The equipment will allow children to learn the sport of tennis with right-sized equipment for their age and ability, including smaller racquets, reduced-bounce balls, mini nets, and Tennis Skillastics games.
“Tennis is a great way for folks of all ages to stay fit, socialize and have fun,” Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Miami Kevin Kirwin said in a release. “The Parks and Recreation Department with the help of a generous grant from the USTA Florida Foundation has embraced tennis as a lifetime sport that will be incorporated into their summer and after-school program curriculum.”
USTA Florida Diversity Outreach efforts are specifically targeting Henderson and Armbrister parks in Miami for 2015 — facilities do not currently offer tennis, but will be introducing tennis basics this summer as part of their program activities, including an after-school program to be launched in September. Along with these two parks, 14 other City of Miami parks will also include an after-school program that will serve more than 500 children. City of Miami staff attended Kids Tennis Clubs training offered by USTA Florida earlier this year to learn the skills and tools necessary.
“I am excited about this new partnership and the City of Miami dedication to bring this lifetime sport to the community,” said Cathy Nordlund, USTA Florida tennis program coordinator. “Most tennis is played on public park courts, and this is giving so many children a chance to be introduced to this amazing sport.”
Armbrister and Henderson parks are part of the target markets USTA Florida is working with to grow tennis participation among diverse populations in Central and South Florida. As part these efforts, USTA Florida will be hosting events throughout the year, including free festivals, USTA Play Days, round robins, and USTA Florida will also offer scholarships for tennis providers to attend PTR Ace workshops and obtain teaching certifications.
A full list of events is posted at
For information about programs and places to play, visit
Golf
First Tee Miami-Dade Amateur Golf Association Summer Series Week 9 results at the International Links Miami-Melreese Golf Course.
BOYS: 1st Flight (18 Holes Blue Tees): Alberto Martinez, 72; Cole Castro, 78; Sharif Amastha, 79. 2nd Flight (16 Holes White Tees): Luke Clanton, 67; Joel Garcia-Lee, 70; Lisandro Gil, 73. 4th Flight (9 Holes Red Tees/Shortened to 8 holes): Samuel Netkin, 40; David Balshem, 40; Nicholas Danna, 43. 5th Flight (5 Holes Green Tees): Ricardo Pereira, 24; Alejandro Leiva, 26; Christopher Pratt, 28.
GIRLS: 1st Flight (18 Holes Red Tees/shortened to 13 holes): Alexa Rivas, 53; Cassandra Chen, 53; Chloe Horton, 54. 2nd Flight (9 Holes Red Tees): Alexandra Ragan. 3rd Flight (5 Holes Green Tees): Nicole Hecheverria, 26; Isabella Ojeda, 27; Riley Bell, 31.
Special Olympics
The Special Olympics Florida - Miami-Dade County 2015 Sponsor an Athlete Awards Dinner is Saturday, Sept. 26th at the Mandarin Oriental.
This annual event is an opportunity to recognize the group’s most deserving athletes, coaches, volunteers, community partners and sponsors while raising awareness and funds to support more than 4,000 athletes that we serve in Miami-Dade County.
Purchase tickets on its website or at a kick-off event, hosted by Piripi Restaurant on Aug. 28 at Smith and Wollensky.
If unable to attend the Awards Dinner or kick-off event, consider making a donation to Sponsor an Athlete here.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat teamed with Florida Blue, FOX Sun Sports and the American Red Cross to surprise summer camp participants during their swimming lessons at the North Pointe YMCA Family Center Pool, 7351 NW 186 St., Miami.
As part of the Heat Learn to Swim community water safety campaign, Heat center Hassan Whiteside made the surprise visit, joining Heat / Sun Sports TV Host and Courtside Reporter Jason Jackson, as well as Florida Blue Senior Director of Business Development Doug Bartel, Sun Sports Media Relations Manager Eric Esteban, YMCA President and CEO Sheryl Woods, and American Red Cross Territory Aquatics Specialist Patrick Beason.
In its 14th year of existence, the Miami Heat Learn to Swim program highlights the importance of water safety to parents and children throughout the region. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children younger than 4 in Florida. With an abundance of bodies of water and residential swimming pools in South Florida, the goal of the Learn to Swim program is to prevent these tragedies.
The Heat has created a printable coupon good for $10 off swimming lessons that is available for download on HEAT.com and can be redeemed at select authorized providers of American Red Cross aquatic programs.
For a detailed list of authorized American Red Cross aquatic programs, or to learn more about the Heat Learn to Swim campaign,
visit www.HEAT.com.
La Salle basketball
Demetrius Henry of Miami, who started 48 games in two seasons at the University of South Carolina, will transfer to La Salle University in Philadelphia to play men’s basketball, head coach Dr. John Giannini announced. He will sit out the 2015-16 season due to NCAA transfer regulations and have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
“Demetrius gives us an experienced, talented player with size in 2016-17,” Giannini said. “His addition rounds out a potentially very strong roster. Demetrius will use next year to improve his skill, strength and rebounding. We will challenge him to improve his productivity to be one of the outstanding players in the A-10 and help our team return to the NCAA Tournament.”
Henry (6-9, 225) saw action in 21 games this past season, starting 19 for the Gamecocks. He averaged 6.0 points and 3.6 rebounds per game while shooting 51.0 percent from the field. Henry also blocked 19 shots.
As a freshman, he started 29 of 34 games for South Carolina, averaging 4.0 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.
A four-star and top 100 recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com, Henry averaged 18.0 points, 12.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game during a prep season at Faith Baptist Christian School. Henry earned Class 5A All-State honors after averaging 17.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game as a senior at (Oakland Park) Northeast High School. He was third team Class 5A All-State as a junior.
Barry softball
Barry University softball player Dee Espinosa of Miami was crowned the NCAA Division II doubles champion for the 2015 season. She hit the most doubles in 2015 of all NCAA Division II players.
Espinosa, a catcher who completed her junior season with the Buccaneers after transferring from Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach, ripped a team-high 25 doubles in her first year at Barry.
“Dee Espinosa is a talented and hard-working softball student-athlete,” Bucs coach Danielle Penner said. “I am proud of her numerous athletic and academic accomplishments as a Buccaneer and look forward to many more in the coming year.”
Espinosa's power numbers paved the way to an .837 slugging percentage in 2015 for a Buccaneers team that went 32-15 overall and 16-8 in the Sunshine State Conference, earning a share of the league title.
A graduate of Holmes Braddock Senior High School, Espinosa had 26 doubles in two seasons with the Eagles before transferring to Barry. She had 12 doubles as a sophomore in Daytona Beach and 14 as a freshman -- both led the team. Barry University is in Miami Shores.
Kendall Hammocks baseball
The Kendall Hammocks Optimist baseball program has registration for the upcoming fall season from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Aug. 15, 22 and 29 at Hammocks Community Park, 9885 Hammocks Blvd.
Registration is $190 per player or $1,600 for a team with a maximum 12 players. Registration includes games, participation trophy and secondary insurance.
The Kendall Hammocks baseball program is sponsored by the Optimist Club of Kendall Hammock, providing youth sports in the community since 1987.
For information, visit
Columbus football
Christopher Merritt is not only the head football coach at Christopher Columbus High School, but he is also a USA Football Master Trainer.
Merritt traveled across the country teaching the USA Football Heads Up Football program to high school and youth coaches, who then teach the program to their school’s or league’s coaches, parents and players. Through his work, Merritt is helping change for the better how coaches prepare to their players the right way through important standards rooted in education.
St. Jude Run/Walk
South Florida walkers and runners are lacing up their sneakers to join participants in nearly 60 communities nationwide for the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer during September's Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to help St. Jude Children's Research Hospital continue to find cures and save the lives of children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
The Walk/Run begins at 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 at Zoo Miami. The event will feature a scenic 5K, family friendly activities and live entertainment. Participants are encouraged to form teams and raise funds to help support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude, where no family ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food, so that families can focus on helping their child live.
Registration for the event is $10 for adults and children ages 6 and up. Participants who raise $100 will earn an official event T-shirt, and participants who raise $250 will become members of the St. Jude Fearless Fundraiser Club and earn additional St. Jude gear as they fundraise.
All South Florida community members are invited to participate. National series sponsors for the event include: Target and America Airlines. National Walk/Run teams include: Tri Delta, NYCO, Brooks Brothers, Delta Sigma Theta, Autotrader.com, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Chili’s Bar & Grill, The Limited, Westfield and Destination XL Group.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Thanks to fundraisers like St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer, St. Jude has the freedom to focus on what matters most – saving kids regardless of their financial situation.
To make a donation, volunteer or register, visit
More events, leagues, programs
Palmetto Bay cheerleading/football
Registration for Palmetto Bay Broncos cheerleading and tackle football is 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays at the Football Shed at Coral Reef Park.
The Broncos are members of the Greater Miami South Florida Pop Warner League.
Visit www.GoPurpleGetGold.com for information.
Safety First
Palmetto Bay Broncos Football implemented USA Football Head’s Up Football Safety Program.
For information visit www.MomstackleBetter.com
More safety
The Bronco football program from its youngest players, age 4 and 5, in the intramural division through age 15 in the Varsity travel program will begin the season implementing the USA Football Heads Up teaching techniques.
Park Commissioner Frank Gowin and Coach Fred Farrington completed the USA Football Player Safety Coach training course at Columbus High School taught by Columbus Head Coach Chris Merritt. The techniques and fundamentals demonstrated at this program proved to significantly reduce the injury rate for young players.
Gowin, who has been associated with the Broncos since 1990, said: “Coach Fred and I were extremely impressed when certifying with the USA Football ‘Player Safety Coach’ course. The detailed instruction on proper head and body placement is groundbreaking and a safety breakthrough for the game of football.”
The 2015 Bronco season will emphasize basic safety fundamentals and proper tackling and blocking techniques across all age divisions. All practices will employ special drills to ensure players know how to get into a proper three-point stance, and to keep the head in appropriate position throughout the play to reduce the risk of injury.
Football has changed dramatically in the way it is taught and practiced, according to Gowin.
“In the old days, the helmet was used as a weapon especially when tackling. Those days are gone.”
The amount of time devoted in practice to full-contact action has been strictly limited as to minutes per practice and number of days per week. Most of practice is devoted to proper technique using tackling dummies and fundamentals of football.
The Broncos Intramural program is three days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday).
For information visit the Broncos website at
Kendall Hammocks cheer, football
The Kendall Hammocks Warriors Tackle program offers registration for the 2015 football and cheerleading season.
Tackle fee $185 which includes home game jersey that players keep, secondary insurance, participation awards, and the rental of helmet, shoulder pads, game pants. Issued equipment to be returned at season’s end. Also, the NFL’s Stephen Tulloch Football Camp as well as the Rookie Camp.
Cheer registration fee $385 which includes $185 initial deposit for practice T-shirt, shorts, game day socks, hair bow, cheer brief, and shoes, secondary insurance, and participation awards. The remaining $200 is for competition, body liner, shoes, socks, warm up, cheer bag, and uniform rental.
Registrations and practices are at Devonaire Park, 10411 SW 122 Ave.
For information email Football Commissioner Mike Pintado at khwfootball@aol.com
or visit the web site at www.khwarriors.org
The Warriors Football program, under the Optimist Club of Kendall Hammocks, is an all volunteer organization, serving the community in sports for more than 28 years. The Warriors compete in the Miami Xtreme Football League.
Play Action Sports cheer, football
Play Action Sports bought the Coral Gables Cavaliers Youth Football & Cheer Program and is re-rebuilding it.
The group seeks a cheer director and cheer coaches as well as football coaches, volunteers and team moms and dads to assist with the 2015 season in the Miami Xtreme Youth Football League. Home games will be played at Coral Gables High School.
Contact:
305-796-6642
305-923-7656
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.
Tennis
Florida ushered in a new era of tennis development for tournament players, age 10 and younger, with the introduction of the USTA Florida 10 and Under Tennis Youth Tournament Pathway, a graduated development path with established benchmarks at each level to guide parents and coaches through junior tennis.
From beginning “red ball” play on 36-foot courts, youth progress through “orange ball” and “green ball” at various tournament levels before graduating to full-court “yellow ball” tennis. Each level contains appropriate kids-sized racquets, balls and court sizes, along with participation or achievement benchmarks to progress between age groups or tournament levels.
The Pathway contains a “Grandfather Clause” for players that turn age 11 during 2015 who currently have the skill set to play full-court yellow ball tournaments.
The USTA Florida 10 and Under Tennis Youth Tournament Pathway roll-out is in partnership with the USPTA-Florida Division (United States Professional Teaching Association) and PTR (Professional Tennis Registry), the two largest tennis teaching professional certifying organizations in the U.S.
The USTA Florida 10 and Under Tennis Youth Tournament Pathway was also developed with solicited input from coaches and parents throughout Florida.
The red, orange and green ball levels correspond on the USTA Florida 10 and Under Tennis Youth Tournament Pathway with tournaments beginning at Level 9 (beginner) up to the start of advanced tournaments at Level 6 and higher.
The USTA Florida 10 and Under Tennis Youth Tournament Pathway was recently implemented in Florida tournaments.
For information on the Pathway, go to www.USTAFlorida.com/10UPathway
Tennis
USTA Florida is offering a 10 and Under Tennis Workshop in Miami.
The on-court 10 and Under Tennis Workshop consists of six on-line courses, and is an essential tool for tennis professionals and volunteers involved in coaching youth tennis, and a requirement for the teaching professional certification through PTR and the USPTA. It also assists camp staff and volunteers with fun activities to engage children and teach them the basics of tennis. Attendees receive credit for continuing education.
The workshop fee is $15 and participants are encouraged to take online courses 1-4 prior to attending the workshop. All workshops are non-refundable and non-transferrable once you are registered. Attendees must come dressed appropriately to participate in on-court workshops and bring a racquet.
10 and Under Tennis workshop (on-court)
Sept. 19 — Crandon Park Tennis Facility, Key Biscayne, Workshop #2067
To register, create a profile and sign-in at
then click on the “workshops” tab and filter by state to select your workshop and purchase your spot.
For information about upcoming workshops and a complete list of events visit:
MLB Bat Girl contest
Nominate someone who is Going to Bat Against breast cancer.
Winners will receive MLB game tickets and the opportunity to be recognized on-field during the game. Vote for nominees affected by the disease.
Nominate at
Visit mlb.com.
Jose’s Heroes
To support Miami Marlins star pitcher José Fernández on his road to recovery, the Marlins announce the return of the José’s Heroes season ticket package for the 2015 season.
For $499, José’s Heroes receive:
-A ticket to all 81 Marlins regular season home games. That’s about $6 a seat.
-A special edition José’s Heroes T-shirt each month.
-A complimentary ‘K’ Card!
-A meet-and-greet event with the man himself, José Fernández.
-Purchase the José’s Heroes season ticket package and travel to Marlins Park to support the Fish, 25 men strong.
For information, visit marlins.com/josesheroes, email SeasonTickets@marlins.com or call 305-480-2521.
Giancarlo Stanton’s G-Squad
To support Miami Marlins powerhitter Giancarlo Stanton, join Giancarlo Stanton’s All-New G-Squad.
For $27, you can be a member of the G-Squad, which will unite during five Saturday games.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit marlins.com/gsquad.
NFL, USA Football, GENYOUth
NFL, USA Football, GENYOUth and Fuel Up to Play 60 today announced the expansion of their commitment to youth health and wellness by giving NFL FLAG Essentials Kits to one million students across 2,500 schools nationwide, including 10 focus cities: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Jacksonville, Miami, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Pittsburgh and San Francisco. The expansion is made possible by a $1 million commitment from NFL Foundation.
The announcement was made by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, CEO of GENYOUth Alexis Glick and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at the 2015 NFL Draft Youth Football Clinic in Chicago’s Grant Park.
During 2014 Kickoff, NFL, USA Football, GENYOUth and Fuel Up to Play 60 announced a commitment to providing children in elementary schools and after-school programs nationwide with NFL FLAG Essentials Kits enabling kids and communities to “Play 60.” The kits which include footballs, flag belts, posters and a PE curriculum designed for elementary and middle school students, garnered enthusiasm, reaching 1,800 schools nationwide, resulting in 500,000 kids getting more active, and the demand for NFL FLAG powered by USA Football to be played before, during and after school.
The goal of the partnership between the NFL and Fuel Up to Play 60 is to give children more opportunities to be physically active and to "Play 60" by offering PE teachers and school administrators the equipment, curriculum, training and recognition they need to uplift and support physical education. This extension of the program provides a million more students across the country with the tools to play NFL FLAG, which combines the strategy of football with the lessons of teamwork, resiliency and respect.
“We want all kids to have the chance to get active and flag football is a fun way to play 60 and learn the fundamentals of football,” said Commissioner Goodell. “We know many children are physically inactive and the critical need in schools and communities for equipment and ways to increase participation in physical education. We want to make this a positive experience by offering NFL FLAG Kits to inspire kids to play football and be active today and in years to come.”
Results from the program’s first year include:
· 98% of teachers reporting using the Kits in PE class for more than one semester
· 47% using Kits after school
· 28% using Kits during recess
· 21% using Kits weekend activity and/or sporting activities
· 12% using Kits before school, leading to an increased number of physically activity kids
NFL FLAG provides children of all ages with the opportunity to be active and learn the basics of football in a fun environment. With the tremendous reach of Fuel Up to Play 60, the nation’s largest in-school nutrition and physical activity program, an additional 1,000,000 children in more than 2,500 schools will be able to participate in the coming 2015-16 school year via the new Kits. The program will culminate with the NFL FLAG National Championships at Super Bowl 50 in San Francisco.
“GENYOUth is proud to support this partnership by bringing this fresh and exciting sport to schools nationwide through our flagship program, Fuel Up to Play 60,” said Alexis Glick, CEO of GENYOUth. “Flag football is a fun, fast-paced, skills-based and strategy-driven game that inspires more kids to get active. It allows physical education teachers and communities to introduce a new curriculum that has already inspired more physical activity among both boys and girls during and outside of the school day.”
Schools can apply for the Kits starting in early May via the Fuel Up to Play 60 website:
www.FuelUpToPlay60.com and will be provided at the beginning of the 2015-16 school year while supplies last. Additionally, in-person FLAG trainings using the curriculum developed by USA Football and SHAPE America will be held in the 10 NFL markets this fall.
About NFL FLAG
NFL FLAG powered by USA Football (http://www.nflflag.com/) provides opportunities for children ages 5-17 to enjoy America's favorite sport.
With more than 250,000 participants nationwide, players benefit by being physically active through non-contact, continuous action while learning the fundamentals of football, lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship. NFL FLAG is a program of PLAY 60, the NFL’s campaign to encourage kids to be active for 60 minutes a day in order to help reverse the trend of childhood obesity.
About Fuel Up to Play 60
Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Football League (NFL) and National Dairy Council (NDC), which was founded by America’s dairy farmers, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Fuel Up to Play 60 is designed to engage and empower youth to take action for their own health by implementing long-term, positive changes for themselves and their schools.
The program additionally encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods (low-fat and fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains) and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. As a result of the program, last year 14 million students made better food choices and are getting more physically active during the school day. Fuel Up to Play 60 is further supported by several health and nutrition organizations: Action for Healthy Kids, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Association/Foundation, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Medical Association and School Nutrition Association.
Visit FuelUpToPlay60.com to learn more.
About GENYOUth Foundation
A leading nonprofit, GENYOUth brings leaders in health and wellness, education, government and business together in a movement to empower America’s youth to achieve a healthier future by uniting partners, raising funds and uplifting the student voice.
GENYOUth has established itself as a thought leader in youth health and wellness and collaborates with its partners to convene experts, conduct research, publish perspective reports, and build programs that make a lasting difference in the pursuit of healthy, high-achieving youth. Founded in 2010 through a public-private partnership with the National Dairy Council and the NFL, GENYOUth has raised funds, increased visibility and commitment to school wellness among health and wellness leaders, educators, students, parents, community leaders and businesses.
Learn more about GENYOUth partnership, volunteer and donation opportunities at
www.genyouthfoundation.org or contact
About USA Football
Indianapolis-based USA Football (www.usafootball.com) is the sport’s national governing body, leading the game’s development for youth, high school and other amateur players. The independent nonprofit partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and sport to establish important standards rooted in education. USA Football trains more high school and youth football coaches combined than any organization in the U.S., advancing coaching education and player skill development for safer play and positive experiences through athletics.
Follow USA Football at
www.facebook.com/usafootball or on Twitter
About SHAPE America
SHAPE America - Society of Health and Physical Educators is committed to ensuring all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, physically active lives. As the nation's largest membership organization of health and physical education professionals, SHAPE America works with its 50 state affiliates and national partners to support initiatives such as the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, Let's Move! Active Schools and the Jump Rope For Heart/Hoops For Heart programs.
Since its founding in 1885, the organization has defined excellence in physical education, and our resources provide the leadership, professional development and advocacy that support health and physical educators at every level - from preschool to university graduate programs.
For information, visit www.shapeamerica.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
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).
Submit info to Sports Scene
Sports Scene spotlights news and notes from youth sports activities in your neighborhood. The aim is to feature game notes and the accomplishments of athletes from Miami-Dade County.
We rely on the directors and coaches of each league, as well as community members, parents and schools to submit information. We accept photos but ask that everyone pictured be identified with a first and last name and the name of the team or park they represent.
Email sportsscene@MiamiHerald.com.
Youth sports online
For more area sports photos, go to
www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth/miami-dade
YouTube youth sports and more
YouTube at the Jim Varsallone (the jimmyv3 channel)
This story was originally published August 9, 2015 at 5:40 PM with the headline "Doral under-14 girls second at Disney Field Hockey Showcase."