Residents press Pompano Beach commission to keep youth football at North Pompano Park

POMPANO BEACH — Residents and coaches packed Commission Chambers on Jan. 27 to push back on rumors that the Pompano Eagles youth football program would be moved from North Pompano Park and to press the city for clearer communication and facility fixes.

Multiple speakers said the Eagles program provides a safe outlet for hundreds of children and asked the city to preserve the team’s home field and improve operations. Joshua Wilson, identified in the meeting as president of the Pompano Eagles, said the program annually serves roughly 300 youth, helps keep kids engaged and builds community. “Our park is an area where every year we have 300 something kids,” he said.

Coach “Pop” and other volunteers said they would cooperate to address noise concerns but objected to moving teams after years of investment in the park’s amenities. Jeffrey Hussey, a volunteer parent, and others urged commissioners to acknowledge that people buy homes near parks and should expect some noise.

Commissioner Seager (Seager Seaton) responded directly to the rumors: "There are no plans to shut down the Eagles or youth football in the city of Pompano Beach," she said, and invited team leaders to meet with parks staff to work out accommodations. Parks and Recreation Director Scott Moore told the commission he had not been notified of any plan to move teams and offered to meet with team representatives to clarify the situation.

Several speakers also raised operational concerns unrelated to the relocation rumor: locked restrooms during games, ventilation and concession‑stand issues, field lighting being turned off while children were still on the field, and an inaccessibly stored AED (defibrillator) that community members said should be available during practices and games. Brandy Zabadall, representing the Pompano Beach Highlands, called for better maintenance and access and thanked staff for prior help.

Commissioners asked staff to follow up and produce a memo summarizing any active investigations or probationary status for teams and to meet with Parks & Rec and team leaders to pursue practical solutions. Vice Mayor Fournier asked the city manager to work with Parks & Rec to provide a report on whether the team is under probation and to summarize any related investigations.

The crowd left the meeting with an invitation to a follow‑up meeting; commissioners emphasized they wanted compromise and for residents and program leaders to work with staff to resolve lingering issues.