By Tamas Mondovics
Three years ago the Pinecrest Pilots Football League decided to measure up its strength in the spring football arena also known as FSYFL, or Florida Spring Youth Football League.
The small, initial start of just 30 players on its spring program roster had much to be desired. However, success based on the league’s six core pillars of heart, discipline, pride, accountability, second effort and teamwork was certain to come.
Entering this year’s spring season the Pilots were sporting six teams totaling of 120 youth football players, making it one of the largest spring FSYFL participating organizations as well as giving testimony to the leagues commitment to its goal to succeed.
By the numbers, five of the six teams had strong winning records, four of them, including the Tiny Mites, Supers, Midgets (6-2) and JV also won District and Regional Championships.
League President Shawn Brown was especially proud of the commitment, dedication and success of the Tiny Mites, Supers and JV teams for also wining the Western Conference Championships.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our organization on and off the field,” Brown said. “The success of our teams comes from great coaching and teams of young athletes that believe in something bigger than themselves.”
Brown emphasized that Pinecrest Pilot Football is all about the young players, who come first and above any and all parent or coaches ambitions.
“We pride ourselves on teaching fundamentals and execution,” he said adding that instead of focusing on winning, the target is putting the league’s core pillars first. “We emphasize fundamentals and when we do that, the winning comes eventually and even though sometimes the scoreboard doesn’t show it, it shows in the development of our players on and off the field.”
In all of this, Brown gave credit to a great coaching staff of which he said, “I care about these kids and want them to learn to be better football players and better people. We are a 100 percent volunteer organization, so without the help of the parents we wouldn’t be here today.”
Winning the Western Conference gave the three teams the opportunity to play against the best teams from the East Coast of Florida, in the State Title Super Bowl Championship at the East Lake Youth Sports Complex located at 3555 Old Keystone Rd. in Tarpon Springs.
The Pilots are excited about the program’s direction and are looking forward to the upcoming Fall Season. Open registration began late last month. For information about the league, visit www.pinecrestpilots.com.
