Athletic Development

Concerns and Emphasis: As we witness a rise in adolescent problem behaviors, drug use, and delinquency, coupled with changing social dynamics and increased unsupervised time, there is a growing concern for the well-being of today's youth. Our Athletic Development program places special emphasis on fitness, nutrition, healthy eating, and an overall healthy lifestyle to address these concerns. With nearly 1 in 3 children in America facing issues of overweight or obesity, our sports activities aim to combat this trend by providing youth with avenues for physical activity.

Positive Impact through Sports: Our sports and athletic program serve as a catalyst for positively impacting the youth in our community. These activities not only offer challenge, fun, and enjoyment but also contribute to increased self-esteem and reduced stress levels among participants. Beyond the physical benefits, sports teach discipline, teamwork, and foster social and cultural awareness, serving as a constructive alternative to risky behaviors prevalent in the Liberty City area.

Volunteer Coaches: Many of our dedicated volunteer coaches were once participants in our Sports program as adolescents, now giving back to the community and enriching the lives of the next generation.

Football and Cheer Program: The Football & Cheer programs, our oldest and most popular sports offerings, annually serve around 250 boys and girls with the support of 40 to 50 volunteers. Coaches focus on teaching organized and safe fundamentals of tackle football and cheerleading, leading up to competitions and championships. Our achievements include numerous Pop Warner Local Football Championships, Regional Football Championships, and a National Football Championship. Notably, our program has produced talent like former FSU standout and current Las Vegas Raiders Safety Lamarcus Joyner.

Enrollment requirements include registration forms, a physical, birth certificate, registration fee, and report cards for boys and girls ages 9 to 15.

Basketball: Our basketball program, with a seasonal focus, teaches organized and safe fundamentals through drills and techniques. Serving about 60 co-ed youth, the program boasts championship appearances and trophies, participating in the Nationwide Youth Basketball League.

Enrollment requirements include registration forms, a physical, birth certificate, registration fee, and report cards for boys and girls ages 9 to 15.

Track & Field: Introduced in 2008, TACOLCY's track program emphasizes physical fitness and healthy nutrition for children and involved parents. Seasonally serving 70 to 90 boys and girls ages 5 to 16, the program has sent athletes to The National Junior Olympics in various locations over the past 12 years.

Enrollment requirements include registration forms, a physical, birth certificate, registration fee, and report cards for boys and girls ages 5 to 16.

Fencing

Join our Summer Fencing Program in Liberty City, designed for students in 3rd grade and above! This free initiative aims to introduce the art of fencing to children from low-income families, fostering discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness. Through expert coaching, participants develop valuable skills, boosting confidence and resilience. Beyond the summer months, the program instills a lifelong appreciation for sportsmanship, leadership, and a sense of community, paving the way for a brighter future.

Lacrosse

Embrace the thrill of lacrosse in Liberty City! Our Spring Lacrosse Program welcomes 8U, 10U, and 12U athletes from low-income families for a transformative experience. Free for those meeting state low-income guidelines, we also offer a sliding scale for others. Beyond the sport, participants unlock long-term benefits—discipline, teamwork, and leadership. With a focus on collegiate opportunities, our program opens doors to potential full-ride scholarships, including coveted spots at Ivy League schools. Join us this spring, as we foster growth, resilience, and dreams for a brighter future!

SEAS 

SEAS, which stands for Swim, Explorer, Act & Surf, is a comprehensive program designed for residents of Liberty City and the state of Florida, where the community is surrounded by water. This initiative, available year-round, is a collaborative effort between TACOLCY, Surf Rider Foundation Miami, Debris Free Ocean, Hirooka Surf and Sports, MORAES, Karen Beber, and the Nike Foundation.

Objective: SEAS aims to empower caregivers and children alike with essential swimming skills while instilling a sense of responsibility for protecting our coastal waters. The program goes beyond traditional swimming lessons, fostering a connection between participants and the environment through education on water conservation, pollution prevention, and active engagement in promoting a greener Earth.

Components:

• Swimming Education: SEAS offers comprehensive swim lessons for residents of all ages, encouraging a proactive approach to water safety.
• Environmental Awareness: Participants will learn about the importance of keeping waters clean and actively contribute to initiatives focused on reducing pollution in coastal areas.
• Green Earth Advocacy: SEAS fosters a commitment to environmental stewardship, encouraging participants to actively participate in initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly community.
• Surfing: The program introduces participants to the thrilling world of surfing, providing an opportunity to enjoy and connect with the ocean.
• Lifeguard Training: SEAS also serves as a gateway for those interested in becoming lifeguards, offering a pathway to acquire the necessary skills and certifications.

Community Partners: TACOLCY, Surf Rider Foundation Miami, Debris Free Ocean, Hirooka Surf and Sports, MORAES, Karen Beber, and the Nike Foundation join forces to make SEAS accessible and impactful for the community.

Statistical Context: Given the geographic location surrounded by water, drowning incidents and pollution concerns are significant. SEAS addresses these challenges by promoting water safety, environmental consciousness, and fostering a community that actively contributes to the well-being of coastal areas.

SEAS is not just a swim program; it's a holistic approach to coastal living, encouraging participants to become stewards of their environment while enjoying the benefits of swimming and surfing.