Marco and Naples youth football to merge, form new league

The success and interest for youth football has led to discussions of a new league involving the Marco Island Eagles and the Naples Gators.

Mike Snyder, president of the Marco Island Eagles, which includes five teams and cheerleaders, is very interested in formation of the West Coast Xtreme Youth Football League.

"One of our goals was to work out a way to have more teams on the West Coast so that we weren't traveling to Miami as often," Snyder said.

The Eagles and Gators have been part of the Miami Xtreme Youth Football League for two years, traveling to Miami-area teams at least five times a season.

"We (Marco and Naples) have been talking with several teams, and I think the interest is there for us to have a six-to-eight-team league," Snyder said.

Those interested in having teams are to meet at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at Fleischmann Field, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd. in Naples. The new league also will be affiliated with the Orange Bowl Football League that oversees all youth leagues in Florida.

Steve Quinn, president of the Gators, is pleased with the Gators' involvement in the league.

"There seems to be a family feeling with the Xtreme and Orange Bowl," he said. "They really seem to go out of their way to make the kids' football experience one they will always remember."

Following league play there are playoffs that result in teams playing in the Orange Bowl. There also is a "Park of the Week" that the Eagles have won both years for their facility at Mackle Park. A weekly television show also highlights different teams and they make Miami Dolphins football tickets available.

Final determination on the league, and the number of teams, will be made June 1.

Practice for the Eagles begins after the July 4 holiday.

For more information call Snyder at 239-285-6677, or Quinn at 239-825-6753.