By Sara Beth Williams–
After a six-year hiatus, the Mesa Verde Jr. Mavericks youth football and cheer program is returning for the 2023-24 season.
In an interview with The Sentinel, Reggie Green, president of the Jr. Mavericks program, said he has a strong desire to bring the local community closer together through safe, organized sports programs for kids and believes the program will benefit both Citrus Heights and Mesa Verde.
Green attended high school in the Sacramento area, played college basketball in Texas, then returned and began coaching youth sports. Green said he has coached kids’ soccer and basketball and has been the president of the Citrus Heights Dream Chasers competitive youth basketball program for the last three years. After conferring with Mesa Verde High School Head Varsity Football Coach Leonard Casillas, Green said he wanted to bring back the Jr. Mavericks football program with a more “family-oriented atmosphere.”
“I don’t have a million dollars, but I have a million minutes and I want to use them wisely,” Green said, adding that he wants to show the community that you don’t have to be rich to help other people.
Free Jr. Mavericks football clinics are currently being offered at Tempo Park on Fair Oaks Boulevard in Citrus Heights every Saturday, according to the Jr. Maverick’s website. Free cheer clinics are also available, but dates vary and are posted on the website in advance. Green said both football and cheer are open to youths ranging from 5 years through age 14, or eighth grade.
Green said football clinics will be free up until the registration deadline and official beginning of the season on July 1, 2023. While participating after that date comes with a cost, Green said the program offers a payment plan for parents, along with individual fundraising plans for participants who can earn their registration by completing individual fundraisers.
Green said he’s also reaching out to local businesses in the community for sponsorships and donations.
Participants interested can register at Mesaverdejrmavericks.com until July 1, 2023. The first game of the season is scheduled for Aug. 19, 2023.
