RAIDER NATION…
HATED BY SOME…
LOVED BY MANY…
RESPECTED BY ALL!!!

HOME OF THE

The great tradition of the Palmetto Raiders optimist club was founded in 1965, by Mr. Richard M. Brown, Ron Scholer, and group of dedicated friends and family members. This wonderful group of humanitarians wanted to form an optimist program in hopes that it might provide goodwill in the community, build character within the youth in the community, and most of all create an atmosphere of optimism within the community.

In 1972 Palmetto Optimist became one of the original Members of the Greater Miami Pop Warner League alongside teams such Coral Reef (formally kendall broncos), Tamiami Optimist, K-Land (Kiwanis Club), Homestead Air force-base Optimist, South Miami Optimist, Homestead Optimist, and Coral Gables (youth center).

During the mid 70’s our league began to grow with emerging teams such as Richmond-Perrine, Suniland, and Miami Beach. As we stepped into the 80’s teams began to "jump on the band wagon". Teams like, South Kendall, West kendall, Florida-City, and kendall hammocks began to join our league making the Greater Pop Warner league the successful program that you see before you today.

The palmetto Raiders have always taken great pride in upholding a winning tradition throughout the years. We have had many great club members, Coaches, parents, and athletes that have passed through our program. It is because of these people that our program has been so successful. Our program has nurtured such players as: Steve Everrett (Cleveland Browns), Steve Grant (Indianapolis Colts), Alberto White (Oakland Raiders) Alan Campos (Dallas Cowboys), Troy Davis (New Orleans Saints/CFLL), Gana Joseph (New Orleans Saints), Lamount Green (fsu/Atlanta Falcons), James Sutton (UM), Courtland Bullard (Ohio State), Don McKnight (univ. Cincinnati), Darren Davis (CFL) Olsen Mobley (RAMS/ Denver broncos) and Mike riley (L.A. Rams).

We can write a book about the legacy of the Palmetto Optimist Club, but time does not allow us to do so. The following is a listing of some the Major Contributors to the success of our program: 

Clarence Moss Sr. (Present football commissioner, parent, and friend), David and robin haddix, Larry Crawford, Frank Demount, Jim Riley, Coley Wallace, Tom Fryer, The late Bertram McCray, Nelly McCray and Raul Campos.

"It takes an entire Village to raise a child", and our Village has raised several of them!

Please check out our new! Website – http://www.leaguelineup.com/palmettoraiders

 

 

Park location 18500 sw 97 ave. ( franjo rd.)/ Bel – Aire Park .

Telephone: (305) 251-2898

Fax: (305) 252-02122

Team Colors: Black, Silver, and White.

Team Mascot (logo): Raider/Shield