Two new host tenants sign on at Premier Sports Campus

The Manatee County YMCA’s YFL youth tackle football program and the Sarasota Saracens Rugby organization have signed on as the two newest tenants at the Premier Sports Campus of Lakewood Ranch.

The Manatee County YMCA’s YFL youth tackle program and the Sarasota Saracens now join the Lakewood Ranch Lightning Lacrosse League and the Lakewood Ranch Chargers who already call Premier home.

“This fall on any given day you will see swarms of kids playing all different sports out at the campus,” said Tim Mulqueen, Lakewood Ranch Director of Sports. “It is amazing how fast the campus has come to life and the fields are already a sight to see just about every night with youth sports across all venues taking over the campus.”

The Manatee YMCA will use the Premier for its fall YFL youth tackle football program. The YFL is a new tackle football program, which is affiliated with American Youth Football. The YFL conference, which comprises eight associations, including the Bradenton Buccaneers, the Colts from the Lakewood Ranch branch and the Steelers from the Parrish branch, among others, will bring together teams from across the region to play this fall in Lakewood Ranch.

“The fields at the Lakewood Ranch campus are so unique,” said Frank Gargett, Manatee YMCA tackle football program coordinator. “This is an excellent opportunity for our organization to grow and we are so thankful to the Premier Sports Campus for welcoming us.”

For more information on how to play or get involved visit www.manateeymca.org.

The Sarasota Saracens of Lakewood Ranch will begin practice this week at Premier for its adult rugby league for players ages 16-45. The local league is a starting point for players looking to move up through the ranks, including the potential for some players to be named to the Olympic team.

The team will hold practices, tournaments and games from July through February and also plans to create youth programs and clinics as well.

“Lakewood Ranch is the perfect place for our growing organization,” said Scott Davies, president of the Sarasota Saracens. “There were only a handful of fields in this area for us to use, but now we have this great central location with more fields than we will ever use.” 

For more information on the Sarasota Saracens visit www.sarasotasaracensoflwr.com.