Lake Maggiore Gators Youth Sports Launches

Anthony Hart is enthusiastic to launch Lake Maggiore Gators Youth Sports, a new youth football and cheerleading organization. Though he initially planned to get the program underway in 2015, with the help of friends and backers he was able to start things off this year, Feb. 28.

“It’s something that I’d been wanting to do, so it came into effect,” said Hart, who is the organization’s president and has been involved with youth sports since 1996. “I did it because there are a lot of underprivileged youth in the area.”

With board members in place, Hart plans to have the Lake Maggiore Gators accepted into the Mid-Florida Youth Football Conference. The season is slated to start July 7 with practices at Dell Holmes Park and the games will kick off on Aug. 9. Hart has applied to local high schools including Lakewood, Gibbs and St. Pete to use their fields for the Saturday games. The 10-game season will culminate with playoffs and championship games.

Age groups are from 4-14, with no weight restriction. Hart noted that if participants turn 15 after May 1 of the current season, they can still participate. There will be a total of five football teams and five cheerleading squads.

Eddie Austin, the vice president and a founder of Lake Maggiore Gators football, will be traveling from Palmetto to be helping out, Hart said, and added that Shathasha Brown is the vice president of the cheer program.

“We are currently looking for head coaches for football and cheer,” Hart said. Registration will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Mar. 15 at Dell Holmes Park, 2741 22nd St. S in St. Pete. Age groups include: Flag (4-6), Mitey Mite (7, 8), Peewee (9, 10), Junior (11, 12) and Senior (13, 14).

“We’re looking forward to having a great season and being a part of Mid-Florida, and hoping the kids come out!” Hart enthused. He also underscored that the prices are reasonable, and he is willing to work with anyone.

“This organization is family-oriented. We do believe in education first,” Hart said, adding that professional tutors will be available for the children. “We want to help get more kids off the street, so they can come to us. We’re here.”

For any enquiries regarding participation, registration or anything else, contact Anthony Hart at (941) 536-6770 or aeh1964@yahoo.com.