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Coaches, parents ask North Lauderdale commission for dedicated multi-sport field at North Lauderdale Field
Summary
Coaches and parents of the North Lauderdale Panthers urged the City Commission to convert and upgrade North Lauderdale Field into a multi-sport facility with turf, lightning warning systems and a home venue for football and other youth sports.
A group of coaches, parents and youth representing the North Lauderdale Panthers used the commission’s public comment period to press the City of North Lauderdale for a dedicated, upgraded athletic field they can call home. Speakers said having a localized field would reduce travel for games, create a community hub and keep youth engaged in organized recreation.
“My name is Ricardo Saboia. I’m one of the coaches at North Lauderdale Panthers,” Saboia said. He told the commission the program needs an official field “not only for football. It could be for soccer. It could be for lacrosse,” and that a proper field would “allow us to have more kids in our neighborhood to come out and not be afraid to play a sport.”
Other speakers included Pravniece Casey, a cheer coach and resident, who said the team often travels to Naples, West Park and West Palm Beach for games and that a better-maintained North Lauderdale Field could host events and generate revenue for the city through facility rentals. Latoya Flowers, a long-time Panthers coach, asked the commission to give the Panthers “a place where we call home,” noting the team currently uses other cities’ facilities for home games.
Angelica, speaking for youth families, said a local football field would support teaching discipline, teamwork and leadership, and noted broader community benefits such as reduced crime and improved youth health. Jose Flores, a resident and assistant coach, recounted playing for the North Lauderdale Raiders decades earlier and said local teams should be able to represent the city on a home field.
Speakers also raised safety and operational requests. One coach requested a lightning warning (alarm) system at practice sites; city staff responded that the city is working on a lightning warning system for athletic fields across the city. Commissioners thanked the youth and coaches for their attendance and said staff would review the requests.
No formal action was taken during the meeting; the remarks were made during the public comment portion and while two agenda items related to youth athletics had been removed from the formal agenda for language corrections. City staff encouraged the group to continue dialogue with Parks and Recreation and to participate in upcoming community and budget discussions.
