Help needed in getting 4 youths to the DMAXX Sports Youth All American Game

BY DAVID STONER, Neighborhood News Bureau

ST. PETERSBURG — DMAXX Sports has selected four Pinellas Park Thunderbirds players to participate in the DMAXX Sports Youth All American Game held this June, in New Rochelle, N.Y. However, travel costs may prevent the athletes from attending.

The boys selected for this prestigious honor are eighth grader Jayion McCluster and fifth graders Eric Jackson, Zayvion McCluster and Taveon Wheeler.

While the three elementary school players were selected for their outstanding play at the 2015 National Youth Football League championship game held in Plant City, McCluster was selected to participate from a video that was sent to DMAXX Sports.

“They have already won two city championships and a national championship,” Royce Wheeler, Taveon’s father, said.

These four All American players will have an opportunity during the daily practices to interact with other talented football players their age from around the country who were also selected to participate in the DMAXX Sports Youth All American game.

“It would be something they would never forget because nobody forgets New York!” Wheeler said.

While the uniform and some equipment is furnished to the boys, many expenses remain that will need to be covered by the players’ families. Expenses include registration fees, travel expenses, hotels, food, etc. Wheeler is anticipating the costs to be between $3,000-$5,000 for this rare opportunity.

Game related activities include registration and opening ceremonies Wednesday, June 29. There will be team meetings, daily practice and of course, the big game Sunday, July 3. Participants in the game will receive helmets, a game jersey, pants, shorts and a practice jersey.

DMAXX Sports tournament will take place at the Joe Fosina Stadium, Flowers Park the week of June 29 and will showcase the nation’s best youth athletes.

Efforts are underway to raise funds through a GoFundMe account at https://www.gofundme.com/kqr3dxa4 or people interested in contributing to the fundraising efforts can also contact Tony Montana at (727) 871-9726.

David Stoner is a reporter in the Neighborhood News Bureau at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. Photos taken by Thomas Stoner.