As with any family community, the tradition of football is long and deep in both Coral Springs and Parkland. The Coral Springs Chargers have been part of family life here for more the three decades and the Parkland Rangers have expanded exponentially in their first decade, growing quickly as more schools, more homes and more families settle in to the suburban lifestyle.
Tackle football is a rough and tumble big brother to what most gridiron athletes cut their teeth on , flag football. Once the helmets are in place, the pads are tucked under tight jerseys and the mouthguards are in, dirt, sweat and a bump and bruise or two are guaranteed. The smallest players can begin as early as five years old and go on up to the eighth-grade. The feeling of accomplishment, the realization that there is no I in team, and the lifelong friends that are made on these fields make being part of our both tackle football programs a meaningful rite of passage to both boys and girls alike. Regardless of size or experience, any player on the field can be a superstar. There have even been several local athletes who have gone on to play for some pretty big teams. There are even some professional athletes watching their own sons grow up playing in our local clubs.
The volunteer coaches are the cream of the crop, and the parents are amazing fans! The fields and sidelines are resplendent with team colors and the sound of cracking helmets, adolescent cheerleaders, and the smell of pigskin, sweaty athletes and concession stand treats. Families look forward to Saturday mornings when the “Spectator Weekend” gets underway.
