CLEWISTON - Playing football and participating in cheerleading, like with all sports, can provide priceless health benefits for children. Team sports improve speed, agility, strength, hand-eye coordination, overall cardiovascular endurance, camaraderie and discipline.

The Clewiston Cougars have announced the beginning of the 2021 football and cheer enrollment process. Parents may sign up their athletes online or in person.

“Cougar parents the 2021 football and cheer sign ups have started. Don’t miss out on another great season! Teams will fill up fast,” an announcement from the Clewiston Cougars explained. “Plus for the first time ever the Cougars will be playing 7on7 with other Mid Florida teams. You can sign up and pay online at Clewistoncougarsfootballandcheer.com.”

“Parents, sign your athletes up ASAP because 7on7 starts the beginning of March. If your athlete isn’t signed up for the 2021 season, they can’t play in the 7on7 games!” another announcement explained. “We will be having in-person sign-ups at the locker rooms on Friday the 19 from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.! 7on7 will be included in season price so come sign up. 7on7 starts the beginning of March! Practice starts soon!” also, they added, “If your child only wants to play 7on7 it will be $75 so come sign up tomorrow from 6-8 p.m. Bring paperwork with you, as in birth certificate, if didn’t play last year and physical for this year.”

“Anyone who has ever tried cheer knows that it is a physically challenging sport. It requires athleticism, strength, flexibility, coordination, and dedication. But it’s not just about the awesome physical rewards, cheer is also a social, team-based activity that can help boost self-esteem and build leadership,” said Wanda Sanford, a long-time Hendry County resident and former cheerleader in her high school and college years.

She also mentioned, for those interested in helping coach cheerleading, “They will be having a meeting on Wednesday, February 24 at 6 p.m. to vote on Head Coaches for cheer. Please, if you would like to be a head coach, contact the Facebook page so they can put your name on a ballot. All head coaches will be voted on by executive board, after being interviewed. You must be present at meeting to be voted on also. Names of nominees must be in by Monday the 22 at 1 p.m.”

The Clewiston Cougars are working hard to keep the athletes and their families safe and healthy. During the pandemic, many different precautions must be taken while participating in sports, to ensure the safety and health of the community. Vigilance regarding wearing masks, reporting symptoms immediately, and isolating when necessary can help control the spread of COVID-19.

For more details visit the Clewiston Cougars on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/clewiston.cougers.1 or online: https://clewistoncougarsfootballandcheer.com.