Important Dates Upcoming For Chiefs Football and Cheering

Kids from all over have called Lutz their home field for 35 years. And with the approach of a new season, the Lutz Chiefs invite your child to be a part of the tradition.

The popular nonprofit youth organization draws participants from both Hillsborough and Pasco counties, cheerleading coordinator Shelly Koster said.

"The Lutz Chiefs Football and Cheer organization strives to bring our young people together as one team," Koster said. "We have a lot of pride in the children who pass through this organization and go on to great things."

Its success stems from the dedication of its coaches word-of-mouth from happy parents and athletes.

"We have many returning children each season who have had a very positive and successful season," Koster said.

The organization also attracts a lot of attention as part of Tampa Bay Youth Football League, she said.

No experience is necessary to join the organization, which has divisions for ages 4 to 14.

"Our coaches have had many years of experience and training," Koster said. "Because of this we are able to take a beginner from the first night of practice and teach them all the skills to do sideline cheers at our football games and learn a competition routine."

In addition to football games, Chiefs cheerleaders attend at least four competitions in the Bay area each season, Koster said.

"This is their opportunity to show off their skills in a three-minute routine, which includes a cheer, tumbling, stunting and a dance," Koster said. "We have a continued tradition of winning for many seasons and have our trophies and Wall of Fame to prove it!"

But winning isn't everything. The Lutz Chiefs organization thrives on community spirit.

"From our board of directors, coaches, assistant coaches, junior coaches, and team parents, the Lutz Chiefs organization is one big family," Koster said. "We get everyone involved along the way."

The cheer program has 20 coaches; five head coaches direct the five age levels with the assistance of assistant and junior coaches.

"We all have a passion for cheerleading as a sport and always encourage our athletes to set goals and do whatever it takes to meet them," Koster said.

Registration for returning cheerleaders for the fall season begins March 23. Open registration for new cheerleaders begins March 30. The dates coincide with registration for football players, as well.

Koster hopes to see plenty of new and returning faces this season.

"As a coach nothing brings me more joy than to see one of the girls I coached go on to cheer in high school or college, " Koster said. "This is a great time in their lives and I love saying, loud and proud, 'We are the mighty Lutz Chiefs'."

Registration Info:

Returning players and cheerleader registration will be held 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 23, and from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27.

New players and cheerleader registration will be held 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 30, and from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3.

Practices begin July 29 for players and cheerleaders.

Check out the Lutz Chiefs website for more details.