The East Lake Youth Football and Cheerleading Organization does offer a limited amount of finacial aid for registration to football players and cheerleaders who are in financial need in exchange for additional volunteer hours on a first come first served basis. A maximum of 50% of the cost of normal registration fees will be awarded.  Applications are reviewed and approved at the monthly meetings of the administrative board of director's. The registrar does not make the decisions about financial aid.  Applications and decisions made by the board of directors  are completely confidential. To apply for financial aid, a form must be filled out at the time of registration. No request will be considered without completion of this signed form.  All decision made by the administrative board of directors are final. See the financial aid form for more details.

First Day of Practice: The first day of practice for the 2010 season as set by the Suncoast Youth Football Conference will be July 19th, 2010. More information to follow. 

Mailing Address: Eat Lake Youth Football and Cheerleading, P.O. Box 168, 36181 East Lake Road, Palm Harbor, Fl 34685

Concession Phone Number: (727) 944-5219

Dehydration

Dehydration during practices in Florida is a serious concern in youth sports programs. Our coaches are all trained on the dangers of dehydration and how the recognize the associated signs. They also get additional training from the league.  Water breaks are given at least every 20 minutes during exceptionally hot weather and any player who complains of problems is taken seriously. In other words, we do not take the old "tough it up and get out there" attitude especially with the younger boys. Coaches also stress the importance of drinking during breaks even if the player is not thirsty. Our board of directors is on constant watch during exceptionally hot practices for signs of trouble. We want parents to know that East Lake Youth Football and Cheerleading takes this issue very seriously. The safety of the children is most important.

What parents can do to help prevent dehydration during hot weather

1. Make sure you child is well hydrated before practice. This may include your child drinking a sports drink or water an hour before practice.

2. Make sure your child has plenty of water during practice. One 16 ounce plastic bottle of water is not nearly enough for most boys during practice. We recommend a large jug that they can bring to practice.

3. Please reinforce that your child should drink water every time they get a break even if they do not feel thirsty. A player cannot get too much water during practices in this heat. 

4. Check your child's urine before and/or after practice. As uncomfortable as this may sound, dark colored urine is a sign of dehydration.

5. If your child is sick, do not send them to practice especially if they have diarrhea.

6. For more information, there are numerous good web sites on this topic. Type in " youth sports/dehydration".