My journey as a football player started when I was six years old, playing for the Brooklyn Seahawks at a local park. I played there for a few months, but it wasn’t my thing at the time. I would rather play with action figures. However, my dad was always excited about sports so he wanted me to try new things—sports related of course.

The Jamaica Bulldogs     

When we moved from Brooklyn to Queens, my dad found a team practicing at Liberty Park around the corner from where we live. The team was called the Jamaica Bulldogs, and it had different divisions based on age groups. I asked my dad if I could join because the kids there seemed nice, and I thought I would have a good experience. So I started practice the next day. My dad had already bought my gear: shoulder pads, padded pants, helmet, cleats and so on. After a few weeks, I began to actually take a liking to football and wanted to take it to the next level. We won some games, and  we lost some games, but as a team we connected. We grew as a football team and became a family. 

A New Beginning

I stopped playing for the Bulldogs in the fifth grade for reasons I can’t remember. However, I know I planned to eventually rejoin the team, but the COVID pandemic got in the way. After the quarantine was lifted, I was able to go to school again—high school this time around. Queens Preparatory Academy at the Springfield Gardens Campus—and I met a few people who asked me to join the football team. So I joined, and realized that high school football and middle school football are in two different leagues. The practices were earlier and harder. Some of the drills were  confusing, and the working out left me sore the next day. It was terrible. 

Support at Springfield

Fortunately, our coach Mr. Lancaster, who coaches junior varsity for Springfield, is one of the best football coaches I’ve played for. He is understanding, helpful, caring, and easy to talk to. He’s a nice guy, and at the end of every season we have a pizza party to celebrate. Since he was a division one football player himself, Mr. Lancaster has the experience needed to take you to the next level.  He knows what it takes to get you where you need to be. He pushes you and makes you strive for your goal. 

Part of a Team

Overall, I must say that playing football for the Springfield Eagles is a memorable experience, and one I will hold close to my heart. So if you want to be part of a team that feels like family, create memories and have a good time, I recommend you play football at Springfield Gardens campus.