By Alexa Libert, Sophomore, Coral Glades high School
These are words you expect to hear when you attend a Coral Springs Chargers football game. You will always see cheerleaders who show their spirit, football players who are tough, and parents who love and support their children- even when the weather is horrifying. These young athletes are prepared for anything.
The Coral Springs Tackle Football Club is what players and fans know as the Chargers. JP Taravella, Bonnie and Betty Bonbrest, Sal Aiello, and several other people founded the organization in the mid- 1970’s because, at the time, “There was a need to find activities for the youth in a growing ‘city in the country’,” says Merry Gaeta, Advisor for the Club (CSTFC) and vice president of the American Youth Football League Cheerleading (AYFLC). Since the start of the organization, multiple athletes have moved on and participated on a high school level, college level, and even professional level of football and cheerleading.
As a person who graduated from the organization, I recognize the values, ideals, and strength of character that one receives when being part of a family like this. And that is what CSTFC is; a family. I started cheering for the chargers when I was six years old. Brand new to the organization and having no clue what it would bring, I was just a young girl who wanted to become a cheerleader to learn how to jump, chant, stunt, and tumble. The Chargers became an enormous part of my life.
Within the first year I had made many long-lasting friendships that I still have to this day. I learned many aspects of the sport I love so much and even made many memories that will never be forgotten. Year after year, I came back to do it all over again, itching to be reunited with my extended family, excited to learn new things and become a better person. In addition to learning new cheer skills, I learned important life skills as well. I was driven to succeed and urged to do only my best.
The impact left from the Chargers has shown outside of the program. For example, as a high school student, I must be on top of my grades and schoolwork. I am a straight A student and I got there with my organization, dedication, and punctuality that was modeled and taught through the Charger program. Each of the coaches in the program, whether through football or cheerleading, are there to help prepare us for what is to come in the future and take that next step in our lives; through cheerleading, football, or another system for our excellence. For me it was phenomenal to become a cheerleader in high school.
For you, it could be the same or different … you will never know if you don’t try.
