By: Pedro Heizer
The Boca Jets Football and Cheerleading programs have a few simple goals: to keep the kids off the street, away from the television set and at the park learning teamwork and citizenship and building self-esteem.
The Boca Jets organization was founded in 1961 here in Boca Raton. Many of you are probably thinking, “Why in the world would there be a team called the Jets here in Boca Raton when we have our beloved Dolphins playing in Miami?” Well, the team was founded by a few New York residents and when they created the Jets, they decided to bring “the best of New York with them” This is why the Jets’ colors are red, white and blue (New York Giants colors) and the name of the famed NFL franchise, the New York Jets.
The organization has more than 550 kids enrolled in its programs. They offer a developmental program for younger kids ages 5-8, along with 7 tackle divisions ranging from Peewee to Unlimited, which include boys and girls from ages 6 to 15. During the spring, they offer a 7 on 7 Passing Football League.
Boca Jets are part of the American Youth Football League, and it is the only team in the league that is from Palm Beach County. There are 14 other teams in the league and all of them are from Broward County. The Boca Jets have 5 home games and 6 away games and all their home games are played at Patch Reef Park on Yamato Road.
Although there are other football leagues in Boca Raton, the Boca Jets is the only travel program in the city. The other programs are simply recreational leagues.
The Boca Jets have accumulated a number success stories in their half a century existence. They include: Brandan Bishop (NC State), David Bicknell (Harvard), Demetrius McClendon (Jackson State), DJ McCellion (Tennessee State), Eddie Sullivan (Marshall), Giovanni Bernard (North Carolina), Justin Feagin (Michigan) and Justin Halley (FIU) among many others.