LAKEWOOD JR. SPARTANS
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The Lakewood Jr. Spartans Youth Association, Inc. (LJS) was established in 1972 as a charitable organization designed to benefit the youth within the city of St. Petersburg, Florida and is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization.
LJS blossomed under the leadership and support of people like Ernest Givins, Sr., Loretha Givins, Dorothy Harvey, Dorothy Norfleet, Donald Grimm, and Earnest Green. These people represent only a few of the supporters that helped build the Lakewood Jr. Spartans.
Initially our emphasis was on little league football. Our success on the football field led many of our alumni onto successful careers in college and pro athletics, and ultimately in life. Aveion Cason (running back for Dallas Cowboys), Shaun King (QB for the Indianapolis Colts), Ernest Givins (former NFL great with the Houston Oilers), Pat Watkins (Dallas Cowboys), Tim Carter (New York Giants), DeAndrew Rubin (Orlando Predators), Rashod Moulton presently at Fort Valley State University and a 2006 Pre-Season All-American pick. Markese Fitzgerald (University of Miami), Pat Carter (Louisville University) and Frank Peterman (State of Florida Congressman) illustrate some of the Lakewood Jr. Spartan Alumni.
The decade of the 90's brought an expansion to the activities of the Lakewood Jr. Spartans, affectionately referred to as "LJS!". Our emphasis increased from a football-based program to development as a sports-based program. This emphasis led to the birth of the Lakewood Jr. Spartans Basketball Program, an effort that we kicked off with the help of the City of St. Petersburg.
In 1998, we changed our focus again by moving from a sports-based focus to a focus on athletic AND academic development. LJS always encourages athletes to do well in school and monitory periodic academic reports on each athlete to partner with parents and developed measures to assist athletes who struggled academically.
The Lakewood Jr. Spartans is an association designed to benefit youth, therefore the board of directors strive to develop programs that target minor youth ages 4 through 14 years. Over 400 youth participate in Lakewood Jr. Spartans-sponsored events/programs each year.
Through the volunteer effort of many people, and the contribution of goods, services and finances from our community, we are able to provide a program that builds character in our athletes. Our goal is not only to provide participants with football and cheerleading skill development, but also to develop the skills needed to address everyday life issues and encourage model citizenship.
Our board of directors and coaches look forward to working with you, your children and community partners to experience a historical year. This year will reflect the our commitment to:
- Consistently involve and communicate with parents regarding various aspects of the organization and activities.
- Provide youth with caring coaches who understand the stages of child development.
- Provide an overall quality program that you will be proud to be a part of.
All practices will be held on the south and middle fields of the 31st Street Sports Complex located at 4801-B 31st Street South in St. Petersburg, FL 33712 (physical address only - do not send mail to this address). Home games will typically be held on the south field.
Come and experience a season of excitement, fun and growth! Volunteers are greatly needed and appreciated! Come out and help us - "Serve the kid, the whole kid, and nothing but the kid."
Again, WELCOME TO LAKEWOOD!
If you have questions, feel free to call us at (727) 866-6664, email us at lakewoodjrspartans@yahoo.com or write us at PO Box 530083, St. Petersburg, FL 33747.
Becky Benjamin
2008 LJS President
