BATTERY PARK VIKINGS ARE CITY’S FIRST TO COMPETE IN THE SNOOP YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE NATIONALS

The City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities (PRCF) is pleased to announce the Battery Park Community Center Vikings are competing in the Snoop Youth Football League Nationals held December 14 through 16 in Los Angeles, California. Mayor Stoney will join the team in support as part of the city’s partnership with the Michael Robinson Excel 2 Excellence (E2E) Program, which was announced in May of this year.

Battery Park Vikings and Powhatan Chiefs

The Vikings won the 14U championship on November 17, defeating the Powhatan Chiefs 26 - 0 and securing their place as the city’s first recreation team to appear in the popular west coast competition. The Randolph Community Center Dragons 14U Cheerleaders who won the inaugural E2E cheerleading competition held in October will also be accompanying the team.

“These young men and women worked extremely hard this season for the opportunity to represent the City of Richmond on a national stage,” said Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney. “I’m grateful for the partnership with Michael Robinson and E2E which has allowed the undeniable talent of our kids to shine. I am excited to see them play in Los Angeles this weekend and know they will make our city proud.”

“This season has surpassed our expectations,” said Chris Frelke, director of the city's Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. “And this is just the beginning of the success we will see from these young men and women — on and off the field.”   

“We have to put the city and the East Coast on our backs,” said Vikings captain Nasir Eberhardt. “Losing is not in my vocabulary,” Eberhardt added. “I expect to go out there to California and win.”

City’s Cheerleading Jamboree to Showcase Talents

The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will host the 29^th Annual Cheerleader Jamboree at the Richmond Coliseum on Thursday, November 13, 2014 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

This high energy event will highlight cheerleading performances by the Department’s community center cheerleaders, high school squads, local universities, and Richmond Lady Raiders. This year, the jamboree will be hosted by the Official Face of the CW Richmond, Troy Michel.

“This is sure to be a fun filled evening watching what these young cheerleaders have been able to learn over the past few months.” said Dr. Norman C. Merrifield, director of the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities. This event is the largest athletic program for young ladies that is hosted by the department.

 The jamboree is open to the public, with tickets available at the Coliseum Box office or on the Ticketmaster website at http://www.ticketmaster.com/DPRCF-Annual-Cheerleader-Jamboree-tickets/artist/1791830. Ticket prices for ages 2 through 11 years old are $4.50 and tickets for those 12 years and older are $7.

Registration for Youth Football, Cheerleading, Soccer Begins in August

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will hold registration for youth football, cheerleading and soccer beginning in August. Children ages 14 and younger who want to play football or who want to participate in cheerleading can register beginning Aug. 1 through Aug. 22. Registration for those who want to play soccer will take place from Aug. 12 through Sept. 12.
     All registration will take place at the department’s community centers throughout the city. The registration fee is $25 per child/per activity for children who live within the City of Richmond. Children who do not live in the city can also register for these activities, but will be charged $55 plus a non-residency fee of $20.
     Proof of residency as well as proof of age are required at registration.
     If you have additional questions about registration, please call the community center where you wish to register. To find a list of community centers and their phone numbers, visit the department’s website at www.RichmondGov.com/parks or call 646-5733. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities operates 18 community centers throughout the city.

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